Catholic Charities Boston Honors Kevin Phelan with John & Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award at 2025 Spring Celebration Gala

View event photos here or watch our Spring Celebration Tribute Video to Kevin Phelan here. 

Nearly 450 guests gathered at the Fairmont Copley Plaza on May 28 for an inspiring evening honoring Kevin Phelan, co-chairman of Colliers, at Catholic Charities Boston’s annual Spring Celebration Gala. The event surpassed last year’s fundraising total by raising over $1.5 million in support of vulnerable clients across Eastern Massachusetts.  

Phelan received the John and Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award, Catholic Charities Boston’s highest honor. In his speech, Phelan thanked his family for their support of his civic engagement over his career and expressed gratitude for his strong network of relationships, which helped drive community service projects and positive change in the city of Boston. He also expressed appreciation for his mentor John Kaneb for getting him involved in Catholic Charities Boston. He encouraged the audience to give back through networking. “I started as a teller. The challenge I leave with all of you tonight is to contribute your network––people need a break and jobs get them started.”  

Morning Anchor for WBZ-TV and CBS News Boston Paula Ebben and Pastor of St. Cecilia Boston Father John Unni served as emcees for the evening. Guests included Archbishop of Boston Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., who opened the evening with an invocation, Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Peter Lynch, as well as Monsignor Bryan Hehir and former U.S. Vatican Ambassador and Boston Mayor Ray Flynn. Event supporters included presenting sponsors United Way, The Cummings Foundation, Jeff and Karla Kaneb, and Yawkey Foundation.  

President and CEO Kelley Tuthill’s remarks addressed the challenges facing the agency amid federal funding cuts and affirmed Catholic Charities Boston’s commitment to meet the most urgent needs of the times, from poverty, food and housing insecurity, mental health, affordable childcare, to education and advocacy. 

“Our mission has not changed,” said Tuthill. “While we do not set government policies, we are here to respond with compassion to the challenges they and other forces may create. Through it all, we focus on help and hope because that is what we are called to do. Please know how touched we are that you are here tonight and that many of you increased or doubled your support.” 

In addition to colleagues, city leaders, business partners, and friends, Kevin was supported by his family including his three daughters and several of his grandchildren. “While many are aware of his role in capital campaigns, it is the small quiet acts of kindness that truly define him – and mean so much to those he helps,” said Phelan’s daughter, Lauren Lipscomb. “Our family and the Boston community are so grateful for the transformative work that Catholic Charities and our dad does to serve those in need every day.”

Earlier in the evening, Phelan was presented with a citation from Senator Nick Collins’s Office in recognition of his contributions as a longtime leader and philanthropist. 

The Justice and Compassion Award is named after the late John Kaneb, a beloved former Catholic Charities Boston Board member who assisted the organization until his death in 2021, and his wife, Virginia, to commemorate their decades of generous support of the Agency. Since 2007, the annual Spring Celebration Gala has raised funds for Catholic Charities areas of greatest need and served as an opportunity to highlight individuals who exemplify Catholic Charities’ values of charity, compassion, and service.

Learn more about Spring Celebration here. To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s mission, visit our Ways to Give page.