On Thursday, Nov. 9, former Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III and Matt Kennedy, grandsons of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, celebrated their grandfather’s legacy and the lasting contributions he made toward protecting society’s most vulnerable during the Embracing the Legacy celebration, the 17th annual event of RFK Community Alliance. This year’s event, held at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, was attended by 280 guests and raised nearly $400,000 to support the organization’s work.
Three leaders and advocates were honored with the Embracing the Legacy Award during the event: Devin McCourty, an NBC Sports analyst, justice reform advocate and retired safety for the New England Patriots (three-time Superbowl Champion and two-time Pro Bowler); Andrew Dreyfus, former president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; and Kristin Henning, the Blume Professor of Law and director of the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic & Initiative.
In the spirit of the late senator’s belief that individuals can impact the world, the organization’s Embracing the Legacy Award recognizes those who have tirelessly worked to eliminate injustice and inequity affecting children, adults and families in society. The annual gala featured a cocktail reception, awards presentation, dinner, and performance by “America’s Got Talent” finalist and Central Massachusetts native, Lavender Darcangelo. The event was spearheaded by event co-chairs Joseph P. Kennedy III, John J. Boyle III and Emma Carpenter. Janet Wu, anchor and reporter for Bloomberg News and former anchor and reporter for WHDH-TV, emceed the event.
“Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy is palpable here tonight,” said Michael W. Ames, president and CEO of RFK Community Alliance. “While there is great need, I know that the work we are doing is making a difference. I know that we are touching lives, helping families and individuals of all ages.”
RFK Community Alliance provides care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges in the state of Massachusetts and surrounding states, as well as nationally through consulting and adoption services. As a multi-service agency, it offers a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages from infants to seniors. Its mission is to promote meaningful and sustained well-being for children, youth and adults facing educational, developmental, mental health, and other challenges.
