From Seven Fishes Feasts to Coffee Breaks: Catholic Charities Supporters Make Giving Back Fun

For Jerry Tracy and Jim Coveno, the opportunity to cook for a group of 30 people they love is a gift that gives back.

Since 2009, the two have been hosting Seven Fishes Dinner parties every December, serving their friends and family hearty, homemade feasts. The one request they ask of their guests in return: to bring a gift card or check that will be donated to Catholic Charities Boston’s Labouré Center.

Having lived in South Boston for over a decade, Tracy said he and Coveno wanted to help spread awareness of Catholic Charities’ programs and services in any way they can. Their most recent Seven Fishes dinner earlier in December raised roughly $2,200 for the Agency.

“We know that Catholic Charities Boston does such phenomenal work,” said Tracy. “It makes it worthwhile to know that every donation and every action we take to help goes directly into bettering our community.”

Milton residents Mary and Thomas Kenney share Tracy and Coveno’s love of hosting friends and family. Beginning ten years ago, the two started to organize “Friends Feeding Families” gatherings in which the Kenney’s invited everyone from their 9 children and 27 grandchildren to neighbors and fellow parishioners to swing by for coffee and light refreshments, and in return, to drop off a gift card, check, or cash to be donated to Catholic Charities.

At this year’s gathering, which took place just before Thanksgiving, the family raised a total of $2,950 in gift cards and checks.

“To be able to give back or help someone in need, in any way, feels good,” said Kenney. “You never know how much of a difference you might be able to make in someone else’s life.”

Part 7 of our Twelve Days of Giving Series, sharing heartwarming stories about people spreading joy and compassion within our community this holiday season. Explore more ways to give this holiday season on our Ways to Give page.