Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/109083
SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY continued from page 56 Avellani's story echoes those of many of his students. He was born in the mountains of Abruzzi, east of Rome, where he lived with no running water and little food. In 1958, at the age of 10, he immigrated to the US with his family and settled in the North End. He went on to earn two master's degrees and work as a guidance counselor in the Boston public schools for 33 years. His idea for the Center came after watching his 70-year-old father struggle, and ultimately fail, to become an American citizen because of his poor knowledge of the English language and US history. Avellani vowed to help others succeed and did so by opening the East Boston Adult Education Center, assisting people like Perlera and later Miguel Andrade, who came to the Center with his wife to learn English and study for their citizenship tests. Avellani remained involved in the couple's lives even after they had gained citizenship and opened a profitable grocery store. When he saw that their two daughters weren't in school, he encouraged them to earn their GEDs at the Center. When Avellani first met Lenny Zakim in 1995, Zakim was impressed by how the school was able to cater to many nationalities and stay open without taking money from the city, state, or federal government. The grassroots nature of the school, with its small budget, volunteer teachers, and storefront facility, inspired Zakim to help fund the Center. "I am always impressed by the hard work of the students during my visits and have been lucky to speak at several of their graduation ceremonies," says Josh Zakim, who now helps run his late father's fund. "It is always an incredibly moving experience to see how the staff and students have 58 Guests try their hand at roulette, blackjack, and other games at the Young Leaders' Casino Night. Last year the event raised more than $165,000. "Witnessing my father's dedication to the pursuit of economic justice has always inspired me."—JOSH ZAKIM achieved so much, and it is very important to me to be in the same place that my dad visited more than 15 years ago. Witnessing my father's dedication to the pursuit of economic justice has always inspired me." Much of The Lenny Zakim Fund's grant money comes from the annual Young Leaders' Casino Night, cochaired by Josh Zakim, Sam Slater, and Amy Belkin. The Slater and Belkin Josh with Amy Belkin families pay for most of the event's cost, allowand a proud student of Youth and Family ing all the proceeds to go directly to the Fund. Enrichment Services. In the last few years, the Fund has focused on violence prevention and job training. This often means working with nonprofit youth groups such as Youth and Family Enrichment Services, Dorchester Youth Collaborative, Journeys of Hope, and Venturing Out. While the money is critical for keeping these organizations running, the Fund also provides staff resources and training to help them assist their communities. It holds seminars and institutes for grantees on management, fundraising, and networking, as well as offering professional counseling in various fields. "We want to be able to give everyone the chance to learn English and become a citizen," says Avellani. "The Lenny Zakim Fund is one of the few that helps small organizations, and in doing that it allows us to give our students the opportunity to fulfill their dreams." The fourth annual Lenny Zakim Fund Young Leaders' Casino Night will be held on March 2 at 8 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel. For information on tickets, visit thelennyzakimfund.org. BC PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE EMMERMAN (ANDRADE), MICHAEL BLANCHARD (CASINO NIGHT), KEN RICHARDSON (STUDENT) Miguel Andrade, shown in front of his East Boston shop, Jaqueline Grocery Store, took English and GED classes at the East Boston Adult Education Center. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 056-058_BC_SPR_P_SofG_Spring13.indd 58 2/12/13 11:50 AM