May Institute Features "Mothers' Voices" During First-ever Virtual Fundraiser

06/12/21

Corporate support from Brown & Brown Insurance, Century Bank, and others helps exceed goal

Randolph, Mass. – This year’s Hope and Possibility Celebration, May Institute’s first-ever virtual fundraising event, was held on May 13, 2021. It raised a record-breaking $330,000 for enhanced technology that will support remote and hybrid learning and telehealth services, adaptive technology and curricula for our classrooms and programs, and enhancement of residential group homes. 

The organization provides services across the lifespan for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurological disorders, and other special needs.

The event centered around “Mothers’ Voices” and began with a tribute to Marie Anne May, mother of twin boys with autism, and co-founder of May Institute along with her husband, Dr. Jacques May. Featured speakers were four “May Moms” who shared personal stories about how May’s dedicated staff and evidence-based programs have made a difference in their children’s lives from as far back as the 1980s through today.

“Because this was a virtual fundraiser, more people than ever before were able to celebrate with us and help us surpass our fundraising goal,” said Eileen G. Pollack, Senior Vice President of Communications and Philanthropy. “We are so grateful to them, to our sponsors, and to the four mothers whose stories brought May’s work to life that night. After such an exceedingly difficult year, the success of this event makes us hopeful for the future.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of The President’s Award to Dr. Robert Putnam, Executive Vice President of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Consultation at May Institute. The President’s Award was created to recognize and honor individuals, organizations, or corporations who have achieved professional distinction through hard work and a strong commitment to bringing respectful awareness to and support of individuals with special needs.

“Bob has dedicated his entire professional life to helping people facing difficult and often daunting challenges,” said Dr. Lauren C. Solotar, President and CEO, who presented the award to Dr. Putnam. “After joining May Institute in 1995, he established our consultation division, and oversaw consultation and school support services for over 100 school districts in Massachusetts and many other states. Through the years, he put us on the national map, directing one of the regional centers for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). His leadership in the industry has literally impacted hundreds of thousands of students in school systems throughout the country.”

David Wade, Co-anchor at WBZ-TV/CBS Boston, was the Master of Ceremonies. Tom Best, Auctioneer and Director at The Auction Collective in London, offered virtual attendees opportunities to bid live on vacations, private wine tastings, and a diamond bracelet, among other exciting offerings. 

Here is a list of our event sponsors, starting with the lead sponsor, Brown & Brown Insurance.

BENEFACTORS CIRCLE
Brown & Brown Insurance

GUARDIANS CIRCLE
Century Bank

ADVOCATES CIRCLE
Amplified Insurance Partners
Neal Todrys

PROVIDERS CIRCLE
Eastern Bank
H.L. Holdings
Joan Solotar

CIRCLE OF INDEPENDENCE
Apothecare
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Fenno LLC
Hays
Jocelyn and Tom Frederick
Kathleen Zortman

CIRCLE OF RESPECT
Debra and Brian Blair
CBIZ & MHM
Connection Public Sector Solutions
Lee Ann Fatalo
Sheila and Timothy Finnerty
Joan Goldberg
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Norah Wylie and Jonathan D. Katz
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Motorlease Corporation
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Dr. Lauren Solotar and Dr. David Gansler
Zerox – XBS Northeast
Q. Sophie Yang
Stephen S. Young


About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded more than 65 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.