Special to the Times

East Boston Social Centers held their first in-person event in three years,  celebrating Our Hometown Heroes.

The event took place on Sunday, October 16, at the New England Aquarium Harbor View Terrace & Tent with a jazz brunch.

Individuals were honored who have given of themselves to the Social Centers and the East Boston community were Joe Tozza, the owner of the now-closed Marty’s Furniture chain and longtime Board Director; Debbi White, former director of the East Boston Social Centers camp; and Chris and Danisse Marroquin, two rising stars at the Social Centers along with their young son, Jaxon. With the Stefano Marchese Jazz Band performing beautifully in the background, everyone had the opportunity to share food and create heartfelt memories while enjoying a spectacular view. It was beautiful to see so many people come together to honor the honorees’ years of outstanding community service, which continues to reward and inspire.

The event would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and love of everyone involved, from planning to fundraising to attending. Thanks to the expert guidance of LPA Event Planners Liz Page, Melanie Oliveira, and Joannie Jaxtimer, the East Boston Social Centers staff went above and beyond with their planning, preparation, and execution of the event. Our Joy:Us event was a huge success, and we thank you all for inspiring joy, and reminding When All Give, All Gain!

“We reminded everyone how much we can do when we come together at the social centers. Rob’s video tributes were heartwarming: Chris and Danisse’s adorable Jaxon waving to the crowd; Joe’s grandkids explaining what his decades of dedication meant to them; and the cheers of “Debbi White is Dyn-o-mite!!” went from echoing in the mess hall to reverberating across Boston Harbor” said Fabricio Paes, Vice President of the East Boston Social Centers board. Board Member Debra Cave was left in awe and conveyed her admiration for this year’s event, “It was a truly amazing event with so much positive energy in the room. Our staff, board, and community stepped up to make Joy:us a resounding success! Thanks to all!”

The East Boston Social Centers, a multi-service agency and community center that cultivates community, belonging, and joy, has been in the business of changing lives for 104 years, providing East Boston (and Chelsea, Winthrop and Revere) residents with critical high-quality services that support community health and well-being and joy, especially during the pandemic. The programs offered by the Social Centers are designed to meet people’s educational, social, and recreational needs and to build community and strengthen families.  As reflected in its motto, “When all give, all gain,” the Social Centers seek to create a welcoming and supportive environment, characterized by a spirit of goodwill and caring, in which members of the community are empowered to lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

Learn more at https://www.ebsocialcenters.org/joyusevent

View joyful moments of the event in our events page: https://www.ebsocialcenters.org/events/joyuseventhometownheroes