NAVIGATION

May President and CEO Dr. Lauren Solotar welcomes guests to the gala at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, Mass.



May Institute Celebrates 70th Anniversary Gala, Raising Nearly $400,000 for Autism Programs

05/19/25


Randolph, Mass. –  May Institute, a national nonprofit leader in services for autistic individuals and those with other developmental disabilities, celebrated its 70th Anniversary at the Evening of Hope & Possibility Gala, held at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, Mass. More than 300 guests—including families, donors, corporate partners, employees, and longtime supporters—gathered to honor the organization’s legacy and raise more than $385,000 to support programs and services for individuals across the lifespan.

The theme of the evening, “Celebrating Family,” paid tribute to the thousands of families that have shaped May Institute since its founding in 1955. Heartfelt testimonials from parents and siblings showcased the power of community and the deep relationships that form within May’s schools, centers, and residential programs.

“May Institute was founded by a family, for families,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO of May Institute. “Seventy years later, we continue to be inspired by the courage, resilience, and love that define the families we serve—and the family we have become as an organization.”

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and dinner, live and silent auctions, and video stories highlighting the organization’s impact. The evening also featured live jazz by renowned musicians Tim Ray (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), and Marshall Wood (bass)—all former members of Tony Bennett’s touring and recording quartet.

Guest speaker Mike Trainor, the parent of a student who attends one of the May Center Schools for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, received a standing ovation for his powerful testimonial about his family’s story.  

Internationally recognized auctioneer Tom Best energized the room during the live auction and Fund-a-Possibility segments, helping drive the evening’s fundraising success.

Proceeds from the gala will support key initiatives including adaptive technology for classrooms and residences, community-based programs, and enrichment activities for children and adults.

May Institute is especially grateful to its lead Champion Circle Partners East Bay Pharmacy and Eastern Bank, and to its Advocates Circle Partners Amplified and Gallagher.

View photos from gala.


About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and those with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, and neurobehavioral disorders. Founded in 1955, May Institute provides a wide range of exceptional educational, clinical, and rehabilitative services across the lifespan.

 

 

  • 41 Pacella Park Drive
  • Randolph, MA 02368
  • USA
  • Phone 800.778.7601
  • TTY 781.440.0461

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May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Pamela Raymond, Title IX Coordinator at 1.800.437.1200  ext.1252 or compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.

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