VICTORY PROGRAMS’ BOSTON LIVING CENTER HONORS MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO

Mayor Recognized for His Support at Annual Celebration of Life Thanksgiving Dinner Serving Members of the HIV/AIDS Community; Vows to Be Back Next Year

Boston, MA (November 20)—On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Victory Programs’ Boston Living Center hosted the Celebration of Life Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston—an annual event for people living with HIV/AIDS, and their families. 

“The Boston Living Center’s annual joyous Celebration of Life dinner is one of the most beautiful, spirited and important events in our city of Boston,” says Victory Programs’ President and CEO Jonathan Scott. “Of the near 1,000 attendees—guests and volunteers—each has in some way endured loss in the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and each participates in giving comfort and support. In the true spirit of celebration, this dinner gathering creates a sparkling room of hope and community.”

This year, Victory Programs’ Boston Living Center paid special tribute to Mayor Thomas M. Menino in honor of his 20-years of advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS.  In honor of his love of urban farming, and tomatoes in particular, Victory Programs officially re-named their ReVision Urban Farm greenhouse the Thomas M. Menino Greenhouse and presented the Mayor with an original watercolor of tomatoes by Boston Living Center member, Gary Hill.  Additionally, Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm in Dorchester will grow official “Tom-atoes” to be served exclusively at the Boston Living Center dining room.

“This room is the true spirit of the holiday season,” Mayor Menino said to the crowd. “The spirit of sharing, companionship and giving thanks.  That’s what it’s all about, folks.  Programs like this are the ones that give me energy, give me enthusiasm.  Seeing so many folks who volunteered, that tells you something.  There’s giving, there’s compassion in the city of Boston.”

The Celebration of Life is Victory Programs’ largest fundraiser, raising more than $100,000 to ensure vital HIV/AIDS programming is preserved. Guests were entertained by Next Step’s One Love, a group of youth performers living with HIV/AIDS. The 2013 World Series Trophy was also on hand at the event, and guests lined up to take photos in front of it. Liz Walker formerly of CBS Boston Channel 4 emceed the evening’s events.

About the Boston Living Center

The Boston Living Center (BLC), located on Stanhope Street in Boston’s Back Bay, is a nonprofit community and resource center that fosters the wellness of all HIV positive people and responds to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS community. Through peer leadership and support, the BLC strives to enhance and enrich the lives of its members by providing education, treatment information, and support services with the goal of empowering members to live productive lives and participate within their families and communities.  The BLC officially merged with Victory Programs on March 1, 2012. 

About Victory Programs

Victory Programs, now in its 38th year, is a human services organization with 18 individual programs offering a variety of heath and housing services to people dealing with issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental and chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS. Find more at www.vpi.org.