Springtime Gala Legacy of Giving
May 22, 2025
5:30 p.m. at Seaport Hotel Boston
Honoring The Vitti Family and Maria Wood-Smith
Richard Cardinal Cushing Award
The Vitti Family
The Vitti Family has been a part of the Cushing Community since 2013 when their daughter, Francesca, started at Cushing as a day student. In 2020, Francesca transitioned to a residential student, and her family continued to deepen their involvement and their legacy of giving back to the organization.
Her father Jerry, who serves on the Cushing Board of Directors and was the former Board Chair, is the visionary founder and CEO of Healthcare Financial, Inc., a Quincy-based company dedicated to facilitating vulnerable individuals in securing vital healthcare benefits. With an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit backed by over three decades of expertise, Jerry stands as a stalwart leader in the industry. Jerry and his wife Erin are tremendous supporters of all of Cushing’s major projects and fundraising initiatives.
Francesca is also greatly supported in her life by her two siblings, Anthony and Celia. Celia has been an avid volunteer for Cushing, helping with several special events, including the fall 5k that was hosted in their hometown of Milton. Celia’s “Team Frankie” was always the largest team with the greatest amount of spirit and cheer.
Cushing is truly honored to have The Vitti Family play such a large role in their community.
Franciscan
Leadership Award
Maria Wood-Smith
Maria Wood-Smith has owned the Fearless Focus Program in Pembroke, MA for 25 years. Over the years, she has helped thousands of children from around New England step out of their comfort zones and embrace their full potential. Maria‘s work, not only in her business but also in her extensive community outreach, has allowed her to become a fixture on the South Shore and beyond, promoting confidence and self-love.
Maria has been helping Cardinal Cushing Centers’ students and adults shine with confidence since 2011, when she and her Fearless Focus volunteers helped coordinate and emcee the first Springtime Gala fashion show. Her legacy of consistently giving of her time and talents has led Maria to become a fixture of the Cushing community as well.
Maria has raised three beautiful children, Alexandra, Gabrielle, and Gregory who are grown and live in and around the Boston area, and recently welcomed her first grandchild, Francesca. She resides in Hanover with her husband Michael and can often be seen walking her three beloved family dogs, Luna, Bailey, and Finn.
Help us change lives
$75,000 Legacy Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Community Sponsor plus
• A sandwich named in your honor at the Cushing Café
• Lunch with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi
$50,000 Community Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Possibility Sponsor plus
• Three tables of ten at the dinner (preferred seating)
$25,000 Possibility Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Opportunity Sponsor plus
• Recognized in all press materials
• Name and/or logo on back cover of program book (based on printing deadlines)
• Two tables of ten at the dinner (preferred seating)
$15,000 Opportunity Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Hope Sponsor plus
• Recognition from the podium
• One table of ten at the dinner (preferred seating)
$10,000 Hope Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Relationship Sponsor plus
• Name recognized at the event as Hope Sponsor
• One table of ten at the dinner
$7,500 Chorus Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Relationship Sponsor plus
• Eight seats at the dinner
$5,000 Relationship Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Kindness Sponsor plus
• Six seats at the dinner
$3,000 Kindness Sponsor
• Same recognition benefits as Friendship Sponsor
• Four seats at the dinner
• Two seats at the dinner For more ticket or sponsorship information contact Pam Eddy at peddy@cushingcenters.org or 617-791-7790, online at: SpringtimeGala.org
$2,000 Friendship Sponsor
• Listing of your name or company in the program book (based on printing deadlines)
Supporting Exceptional People For More Than 75 Years
Founded in 1947 by Cardinal Richard Cushing and the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi, Cardinal Cushing Centers provides hope, independence, lasting friendships, and community engagement to people with intellectual disabilities. As one of the largest employers on the South Shore with more than 600 employees, we serve approximately 600 individuals each year through a variety of programs, including academic, clinical and behavioral services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, employment training, recreational opportunities and housing. For students, we offer both day and residential school programs. For adults, we support 16 group homes across the South Shore, as well as employment and therapeutic support in both Hanover and Braintree.
“You see what a great job Cushing does helping individuals with disabilities continue with their life. I wanted to get involved and help in a hands-on way. To walk the halls and see what is being done is an eye opening experience. It’s amazing. I marvel at the dedication of the people who work there and the spirit of the students and adults they support.” – George Montilio, Former Springtime Honoree