25th Anniversary Candlelight Dinner

Twenty-five years ago a small group of individuals with little more than an idea, , a desire and an overwhelming sense of community decided to form the Epilepsy Association of Greater Boston, Inc. to help families, friends and patients coping with epilepsy.  Last night we stood, 25 years later, and honored those same individuals for their leadership, talent and commitment to the epilepsy community.

 
The tireless efforts of our founders and volunteers have enabled the Foundation to initiate and lead the way on in developing needed services, educational programs, advocacy and research. The Foundation’s accomplishments are numerous. Highlights include expansion of services into Rhode Island in 1993, the development of effective information and referral services, cultivation of specialized support groups for individuals and family members.  Epilepsy awareness and education programs continue to be conducted in both states and brought into local schools and businesses, and recently extended toward psychologists, social workers, and counselors.  Out advocacy programs empower individuals and target legislation at all levels of government to ensure our constituents have a voice and are heard.  This year, Camp Wee-Kan-Tu celebrated its 10th Anniversary, having served over 500 children with epilepsy. 
 
The future brings many challenges to our Foundation, including financial stability to expand our programs, services and research; to foster employment services that reduce unemployment and underemployment for our constituents; to provide essential training for emergency room staff, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, nurses and physicians and attempt to provide dependable and cost-effective public transportation.  We must continue to strive to put the choice of medication formulation (generic or brand) where it belongs, with the patient and their physician as well as expanding services into New Hampshire and Maine so that all of New England may have a collective and stronger voice in program and service development and advocacy at all levels of the health and human service system.
 
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees--our Founders.  We salute your resolve and admire your spirit.  Without you, the quality of life of so many with epilepsy would be diminished.
 
Gail Biancucci, Cathy Phillips and the Candlelight Dinner Committee, please accept our sincere gratitude for bringing us all together this evening.  Let the festivities begin!

 -Les Brody commencing the 25th Anniversary Candlelight Dinner

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Special Thanks

Gail Biancucci
Cathy Phillips
Donna Rich
Charlene Sturgis
Jaime Gordon
Libby Firenze
Vega Firenze
June Braunlich
Susan Welby
Lauren Welby
Elinor Artsy
Uncle John Holmes
Victor Posada
Frank Antonelli
Laura Jordan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who attends the Candlelight Dinner?

This event will attract hundreds of the organization's supporters – all bound by a common interest in this disorder. Parents of children with epilepsy, relatives and friends of people with epilepsy and those who suffer from seizures themselves will join clinicians, social workers, researchers and others committed to this cause for an evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising.

Are donations to the auction tax-deductible?

Donations of auction items and program book ad space are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. The organization's tax ID number is 222.505.819.

How can I help?

Donate an auction item.
Advertise in the program book.
Sponsor.
Buy tickets.
Make a cash donation.

How do I do that?

Please Download the above forms for either an Auction Item or Sponsorship. Fill it in completely and mail to:
Charlene Sturgis
EFMRI
540 Gallivan Boulevard
Boston, MA 02124

Any questions - concerns - or more information on the dinner, please call us at 617-506-6041.