Chaplains on the Way hosts first annual fundraising dinner

American Legion’s Function Hall was a connection hub from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Live jazz, free-flowing conversation, white tablecloths and an Italian buffet marked Chaplains on the Way’s (COTW) first annual fundraising dinner, “Waltham Cares.” 

Conceptualized and planned by COTW Executive Director Michael Jones and Board President Louise Rachin, the event was designed to fill budget gaps and raise awareness around the needs of Waltham’s homeless. The $35,000 raised will bolster COTW programs for the winter months.

“We need to build up a little money going into them so we can be sure that we can provide all of the services that we offer throughout the winter with consistency,” said Jones. “And that consistency is very important, because that’s one thing that is lacking among the unhoused population.”

Though COTW hosted a similar event in 2024, its silent auction-barbecue fell short of meeting the organization’s financial needs.

Individual tickets for this year’s dinner were set at $50, with platinum, gold and silver sponsorship opportunities indicating financial contributions of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. COTW’s original goal for the event was $20,000.

The community rallies to help

Jones and Rachin were overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.

“I was sitting in my car a few days ago, crying with gratitude because a florist had donated the flowers for free,” Rachin said. “So now more than ever, I’m really finding people want to help.”

Free flowers were accompanied by Brelundi’s contribution of an Italian buffet, salads and desserts from board members and chicken wings from Shopper’s Cafe. These contributions left COTW with a final expense of $1,150 for the event.

Reverend Cheryl Kerr from the United Parish of Auburndale opened the evening with a blessing. Rachin, Jones and Director of Chaplaincy & Programs Marc Fredette then thanked those in attendance, highlighting the community’s role in partnering with COTW to serve the homeless.

“Looking out at all of you, I see the heart of Waltham — I see a community that shows up,” Fredette said.

House-shaped crystal awards were presented to Mayor Jeannette McCarthy and state Representative Tom Stanley in recognition of their advocacy for Waltham’s unhoused community.

McCarthy, recipient of the Hearts Connected Award, encouraged COTW to apply for a community development grant, which opened the door to further funding. Following years of difficult relations between COTW and the community, she also came alongside the organization as it sought ways to reconnect with Waltham.

“We didn’t have a very good reputation around town in the past,” Jones said. “We were trying to engage in social justice stuff. I think we lost our way from chaplaincy and pastoral care.”

Stanley, recipient of the Joan B. Murray Founders Award, was also recognized for his efforts in reconnecting COTW with Waltham. After the organization underwent leadership changes, Stanley helped Jones and Rachin strategize ways to rebuild relationships. He also joined the “Waltham Cares” planning committee, attending every meeting leading up to Sept. 17. 

“Well over a quarter of the crowd can be attributed to his effort,” said Jones.

Keeping the lights on

Those in the crowd — union workers, city council members, state representatives, business owners and residents of Waltham — marked COTW’s increased connection with the city, in large part a result of support from elected officials like Stanley and McCarthy.

“We lost our federal partner, the federal government, and we’re just starting to feel the effects of that, and it’s only going to get worse — there’ll be less and less money,” Stanley said. “The state and the city always step up and do everything we can, and the local community does as well. So this is the community of Waltham stepping up and saying, ‘We’re not going to let the changes in federal government funding affect our compassion for a fellow neighbor.’”

COTW, Stanley said, fills a “niche” in Waltham’s services to the unhoused. Fredette echoed this in his speech, emphasizing the importance of COTW programs and the need for ongoing support.

“Tonight you are helping to keep the lights on and the coffee brewing, and for that we are eternally grateful,” Fredette said. “But if you’re leaving here tonight feeling, oh, a little pull, perhaps a nudge to do more, I urge you to listen to that. Come see what a morning with us looks like. Come be the reason someone feels seen, someone feels valued and feels a part of the Waltham community.”

Two grants funding COTW, both with termination dates not allowing for reapplication, recently ended; the organization is now working to backfill this financial loss.

“We were already behind our budget, so this Hail Mary kind of caught us up, but we’re still going to have to raise money through the winter to keep food on the table through April,” Jones said.