Spring Reception Celebrates Labouré Center’s Impact, McNeice Family Legacy

The number of years, 42, the Spring Reception has been held to support Catholic Charities of Boston’s (CCAB) Labouré Center is about the same number of years the McNeice family has been part of the center’s lasting impact on the South Boston community and beyond. 

At the 2026 Spring Reception, held on Thursday, April 30, at The Exchange in Boston’s Seaport District, nearly 200 guests celebrated the McNeice family’s continuous generosity. 

“We are especially honored this evening to recognize the McNeice Foundation,” said Matt Wells, Trustee and Labouré Advisory Board President. “Following in the legacy of John and Margaret McNeice, the Foundation continues to make a profound impact in the areas of education and social justice. Their recent grant to expand recovery treatment and counseling for families affected by substance use will allow Labouré to reach even more individuals in need—once again reinforcing that focus on families and community that defines this organization.” 

This year, the McNeice Family Foundation received the 2026 Jack Shaughnessy Service Award in recognition of its $1 million, multi-year grant to the Labouré Center Family Counseling and Guidance Center, providing support and hope to those affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and their families. 

“The Shaughnessy and McNeice families have a long history, especially the relationship between Jack Shaughnessy and John McNeice,” said Casey Shaughnessy, who presented this year’s award, named for his grandfather. “Both men were loving husbands, fathers and grandfathers as well as successful businessmen who truly embodied the motto of their alma mater, Boston College High School, by living their lives as a man for others.” 

John and Margarete McNeice, who launched the foundation in 1997, previously received the same service award in 2010. Their daughter, Margarete McNiece Portanova, Executive Director of the Foundation, was on hand to receive the award. The Foundation also received citations from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office and State Sen. Nick Collins as part of the evening’s festivities. 

The event culminated in a spirited live auction, with former Jack Shaughnessy Service Award winner Tom Tinlin serving as the auctioneer. 

“I hope you leave here feeling encouraged that your support places you firmly on the right side of who we are called to be,” President and CEO Kelley Tuthill said in her remarks. “I hope you know how grateful we are to have you here tonight and supporting our mission.” 

Click here to learn more about CCAB’s four core service areas.