Photo Credit: Jeff Thiebauth
Top: From left: MBF Secretary Paul Klehm, Treasurer Edward Dombroski, Community Changemaker Award recipient Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, Vice President Melissa Langa and President G. Perry Wu.
Second from top: From left: A Community Changemaker Award was presented to M&T Bank. Eastern Massachusetts Regional President Grace Lee, shown here with MBF Trustee Tara Dunn Jackson, accepted the award on behalf of the bank.
Third from top: From left: Melina Turco, MBA Past President Damian Turco, Richard Cole and MBF Trustee Akosua Agyepong.
Bottom: The MBF celebrated 60 years of service in style with a 60s theme. Among the attendees were many law students, including past recipients of MBF funds through the Legal Intern Fellowship and Chief Justice Ralph Gants Scholarship programs.
The Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) marked its 60th anniversary in style on Nov. 15 with a Groovy Gala, held at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter in Boston. The event brought together MBF supporters, grantees and friends to commemorate six decades of advancing access to justice across the commonwealth.
The Groovy Gala celebrated the foundation’s long-standing impact, showcasing its collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of justice since 1964. Embracing a retro 1960s theme in honor of the decade of the MBF's founding, guests enjoyed live music from a 12-piece band, vibrant decor and interactive art.
A highlight of the night was the recognition of two Community Changemakers for their remarkable contributions to promoting justice and fostering equity across Massachusetts. This year's honorees were Hon. Kimberly S. Budd, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, for her leadership and commitment to addressing inequities in the legal system, and M&T Bank, for its dedication to promoting economic empowerment in the community. M&T’s Eastern Massachusetts regional president, attorney Grace H. Lee, accepted the award on behalf of the bank.
The Gala, attended by over 200 members of the Massachusetts legal community, epitomized the intersection of celebration and purpose. Proceeds from the event will support the MBF’s vital work in addressing unmet legal needs across the state.
MBF President G. Perry Wu reflected on the evening’s success, stating, “This Gala was not just about looking back on 60 years of impact; but also about galvanizing our community for the years ahead. We are deeply grateful to Chief Justice Budd, M&T Bank, our trustees, fellows, grantees, and sponsors, and everyone else who made the event such a meaningful and memorable occasion.”
The Groovy Gala was more than a nostalgic celebration — it was a testament to the Massachusetts Bar Foundation’s enduring commitment to justice, equality and community. As the MBF continues building its legacy as a leader in legal philanthropy, the evening served as an inspiring reminder of both the power of collective action and the ongoing importance of the foundation’s mission.
For more information about the Massachusetts Bar Foundation and how to support its initiatives, visit www.MassBarFoundation.org.
To view more photos from the Gala, visit www.MassBarFoundation.org/60th.