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Humanitarian of the Year Awards were presented to Paul Butka, EVP, CIO, The TJX Companies, Inc. and Herb Landsman, SVP, Merchandising for HomeGoods, a Division of The TJX Companies, Inc. Paul Bass, EVP, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. was presented with the Cushing Lifetime Humanitarian Award.
The annual Springtime Gala raised over $2.2 million, that includes $1,776,000 plus $450,000 of donated technology hardware/software services, for the children and adults of all faiths served by Cardinal Cushing Centers. Funds raised from this single event, held last month at the Marriott Copley Place, Boston, will make possible special projects, capital improvements and the augmentation of therapies to benefit students and adults of Cardinal Cushing Centers, Inc. In attendance were 1,100 supporters of this collaborative effort of manufacturers, retailers and community leaders. "We were honored to pay tribute to two professionals who have achieved outstanding success in both their careers and their philanthropic pursuits," said Ben Cammarata, chairman and acting CEO, The TJX Companies, Inc., who served as chairman of the event. "Paul Butka and Herb Landsman have exhibited their compassion and long-term support of Cushing Centers' students through the exceptional fundraising endeavors they have created while inspiring others to contribute in meaningful ways," Cammarata said. Over the years, many associates of TJX have made invaluable contributions of time and resources to Cardinal Cushing Centers, focusing on the enrichment of the cultural and educational environments for the students and adults served by the private, nonprofit organization. Recently, Butka and Landsman have spearheaded efforts in technology donations from their vendor partners as well as a merchandising program on behalf of the schools and adult work and community living support programs. Paul Bass of BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. has been an advocate among his colleagues for Cardinal Cushing Centers for some twenty years. Bass serves as Vice Chair of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools Board of Directors, is a past "Springtime" Humanitarian of the Year and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the annual BJ's Charity Open. Over the years, Springtime, brainchild of benefactor Leonard Florence, President of the Leonard Florence group, in 1964, has earned the reputation of one of Boston's premiere fundraisers and has raised $20 million on behalf of the students of all faiths with special needs educated at Cardinal Cushing Centers. "This year was no exception. The enthusiastic participation in the Silent and Live Auctions contributed to the night's resounding success and will significantly make a difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs," said Paul Hudson, president and CEO of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, Inc., which sponsors Cardinal Cushing Centers. Auction items were donated by the Boston Bruins, the Jacobs Family, The TJX Companies, Jerry Rossi, Ted English and family. Liz Brunner, WCVB-TV NewsCenter 5 Anchor, and Brain Leary, Esq., Partner, Gadsby Hannah LLP, served as Masters of Ceremonies for the evening.
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