The Adams Benefit
Each year the John & Abigail Adams Benefit welcomes over 1,000 guests for an extraordinary evening benefiting the Boston Bar Foundation. Join us on April 6, 2024 at the Museum of Fine Arts for a one-of-a kind event that supports the work of the BBF in its mission to facilitate access to justice for the underserved, fund and promote innovation in the delivery of legal services and support impactful public service projects & pro bono work by lawyers in our community.
About the Event
The 2024 Adams Benefit will take place on Saturday, April 6th at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Attendees will enjoy magnificent art, live entertainment and music, special performances, and gourmet food and drinks. Save the date and watch for more information coming soon!
About the BBF
The Boston Bar Foundation serves as a beacon of the legal community’s enduring commitment to enhancing the lives of the most underserved individuals in our community. Through a dynamic granting program, the BBF works to serve the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community, including domestic violence survivors, immigrants, prisoners, workers, veterans, children and families.
As the charitable affiliate of the Boston Bar Association, the BBF supports projects and programs dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession, strengthening leadership development opportunities for young lawyers and engaging lawyers in serving our community.
The 2024 Honoree
Paul W. Lee, retired partner at Goodwin Procter LLP and founder and first President of the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (AALAM), will receive the 2024 Adams Benefit Public Service Award.
“It is a honor to recognize Paul Lee for his nearly 40 years of service to the greater Boston legal community. His professional accomplishments—of which there are many—touch not only the lives within this Commonwealth but also across the country. His mentorship, support, and assistance has been invaluable for so many, especially within the AALAM community. He is truly the embodiment of the values and commitment represented by this award. We look forward to celebrating the impact of his work and service to our community.”
Stephen Hall, President, Boston Bar Foundation
History of the Public Service Award
The Adams Benefit Public Service Award is given annually to business or civic leaders who have shown exemplary leadership in community service and philanthropy and whose work aligns with the BBF’s mission to promote justice by funding and promoting innovation in legal services, enhancing access to justice for the underserved, and supporting the public interest activities of the bar.
Past Honorees
2023
Fletcher (Flash) & Benaree (Benny) Wiley
2022
Damian Wilmont, SVP, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Vertex
2021
Chief Justice Ralph Gants
2020
Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank
2019
Diane B. Patrick
2018
Hon. Nonnie and Richard Burnes
2017
Chief Justice Margaret Marshall
2016
Roca
2015
John Hancock
2014
Thomas M. Menino
2013
Carol N. Fulp
2012
Paul S. Grogan
2011
John Fish
2010
Citizens Bank
2008-2009
James G. Keefe and Patrick A.T. Lee, President and Vice President of Trinity Financial
2007
Paul Guzzi, President & Chief Executive Officer Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
2006
Jack Connors, Jr., Chairman of Hill Holliday Connors and Cosmopulos
2005
The Boston Red Sox & the Boston Red Sox Foundation
2004
William C. Van Faasen, Chairman and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
2003
Edward C. Johnson, III, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Investments
2002
Jeffrey Swartz, President and CEO of Timberland
2001
Teresa Heinz, Chair, Heinz Family Philanthropies
Sponsors
For questions about sponsoring the Adams Benefit, contact Mariah Hanlon at mhanlon@bostonbar.org.
Bronze Sponsors
Participating Sponsors
Contributing Sponsors
Steering Committee
Co-chair |
Co-chair |
Kristin Abati |
Laurie Burlingame |
Robert Chow |
Paul Dacier |
Stacylyn Doore |
Felicia Ellsworth |
Scott Faust |
Renee Inomata |
Giselle Joffre |
Colleen Laduzinski |
Rebecca Lee |
Lizette Perez Deisboeck |