Charlie and Lauren Baker to Be Honored at Annual 2025 Catholic Charities Labouré Center Spring Reception

On April 24, the Labouré Center will celebrate its 41st Annual Catholic Charities Labouré Center Spring Reception, a longstanding annual tradition in the South Boston community which raises critical funds for the Labouré Center’s vital programs.  

Former Massachusetts Governor and First Lady Charlie and Lauren Baker will be honored as the 2025 Jack Shaughnessy Service Award honorees for their unwavering support of the Labouré Center and their steadfast dedication to serving those most in need in the Boston community and throughout Massachusetts. 

The reception will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Exchange in Boston’s Seaport and is expected to draw over 250 donors, volunteers, staff members, and partners throughout the Greater Boston community. Throughout the evening, hors d’oeuvres will be served and guests will have access to an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks.  

Among the night’s festivities will be a live and silent auction led by South Boston native and former Jack Shaughnessy Service Award honoree, Tom Tinlin, with exciting prizes ranging from a private wine tasting led by Brahm Callahan, Boston’s only Master Sommelier, to a luxurious 7-day cruise for two to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada and New England through Holland America Line. Read below for additional information on a few of the auction prizes, with more details to come.  

Early bird tickets are available here for $100 until April 11 and then will be available for $125.  

Tickets are limited. Please RSVP by April 21, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there! 

• CALLING ALL WINE LOVERS – Brahm Callahan, Boston’s only Master Sommelier, will host a private, custom-designed and curated wine tasting with world-class wines provided and tailored to winning bidder’s tastes and interests. The wine tasting will be paired with small plates provided by award-winning East Meets West Catering. This one-of-a- kind, exquisite event will take place at the winning bidder’s home on a mutually agreeable date.  

• THE ULTIMATE BOOK CLUB MEETING – Winning bidder will receive eight signed copies of bestselling novel Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane -AND- the opportunity to have Dennis Lehane lead their Book Club discussion (via Zoom). This best selling author – originally from Dorchester – has also become an award-winning film writer-producer and television screenwriter. Talk about a local guy done good! 

• ON CRUISE CONTROL – Winning bidder will enjoy the trip of a lifetime for two on a 7-Day Holland America Line Cruise to Alaska, the Carribean, Mexico or Canada & New England. Your cruise will be booked in a shared ocean view stateroom. Holland America Line was recently awarded Best in Service by Cruise Critic and recognized by Condé Nast, Travel & Leisure and others. The honors include a wide range of categories synonymous with Holland America Line — from service and dining to sustainability, itineraries and shore excursions.  

• “THE WIZ” BROADWAY IN BOSTON – The 1975 Tony Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway. Winning bidder and three guests will see it all from some of the best seats in the house-  orchestra row B – at Boston’s Citzens Opera House for the Saturday August 23rd 2PM matinee. Why not make it a weekend in town… with an overnight for two at the Marriott Long Wharf including breakfast?