News

Together, we make a difference. Gratitude to our supporters, and a warm invitation for new partners to join us at the April 9th Toast to Ron O’Hanley!

  • March 3, 2026
Whittier Street Health Center to Celebrate Ronald O’Hanley’s Commitment to Community Advancement at Annual Fundraising Gala

 A Toast to the State Street Chairman and CEO set for April 9th at Hilton Boston Park Plaza 

Whittier Street Health Center, a community health center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high quality and accessible health care and social services that achieve health equity, social justice, and the economic well-being of a diverse patient population, is preparing to shine a light on Ronald O’Hanley, chairman and CEO of State Street, at its highly anticipated annual fundraising gala, to be held on April 9th at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel. The event will bring together community leaders, supporters, and partners to honor O’Hanley’s longstanding advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion and his initiatives to confront systemic inequities within the financial sector and beyond.

The signature fundraising event annually honors outstanding business leaders and philanthropists who share Whittier’s vision of health equity and social support for all. O’Hanley’s enduring stewardship in inclusive growth and corporate responsibility aligns with Whittier’s mission to ensure that every individual can access high-quality, compassionate care. Proceeds from the gala raise the critical funds needed to fuel this mission.

O’Hanley has demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion over the course of his career, emphasizing both internal culture and broader industry impact. Under his leadership, State Street has launched “10 Actions Against Racism and Inequality,” a company-wide framework to confront racial inequities, has tied executive compensation to diversity goals, and expanded female leadership representation.

We are grateful to our corporate and community partners and individuals who have already stepped up in a show of support for O’Hanley’s impact and legacy. Whittier Street Health Center extends its gratitude to those whose generous support makes the gala possible, including the following sponsors:

TITLE SPONSORS: State Street and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

PRESENTING SPONSORS: .

LEAD SPONSORS: The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, Suffolk Construction, and Thomas and Donna May.

BENEFACTORS: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Robert and Kathy Mahoney, WilmerHale, Deloitte, and Fidelity Investments.

PATRONS: Frederica M. Williams, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Eastern Bank, Rapid 7, The Boston Foundation, B-Flexion, Kelly Family Foundation, Leon and Bernadette Olivier, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Citizens Bank, Doug Berthiaume, and Jim and Mary Judge; and

CONTRIBUTORS: West Insurance Agency, Needham Bank, New England Development, Santander Bank, James and Janice Distasio, KPMG, Point32 Health, CVS Health, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Husch Blackwell, and DHK Architects.

“Ron O’Hanley clearly understands that equity requires action, not rhetoric,” said Frederica Williams, president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. “We are delighted to celebrate a true leader committed to inclusion and opportunity. Please join us on April 9th for an evening of impact, inspiration, and celebration.”

Additional sponsorship remains available for those who wish to support the health center’s vital work.

 For more information, including tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@wshc.org or call 617-989-3220. The April 9th gala will begin with a 5:30-6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and the toast from 6:30- 9 p.m.

For sponsorship and reservations for the event, please click here.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).