“Boston’s Finest” Take Center Stage at Boston Police Foundation Inaugural Gala

BOSTON – The Boston Police Foundation will host its first-ever gala this March to raise money to help support Boston Police Department outreach programs and support efforts to address suicide and stress management initiatives.

The Foundation, formed in 1993 to provide financial support for numerous critical resources for the Boston Police Department, will host the gala on Saturday, March 22, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers.

The goal of the gala is to raise awareness and provide funding for the Boston Police Foundation and its marquee programs, including Crime Stoppers, Text a Tip, Crime Watch, and Officer Wellness and Safety, which focuses on suicide prevention and health and stress management programs for Boston police officers.

Financial support of these vital programs, equipment and technology supports the brave men and women of the Boston Police Department and improves the quality and safety of the department and the extended Boston community.

“Our Boston police officers are tough, resilient and work countless hours to make our streets and neighborhoods safe,” said Former Boston Police Commissioner and Boston Police Foundation Board Member Edward Davis.  “We want to do our part through the Boston Police Foundation to give them the extra tools and resources necessary to make their difficult jobs just a little less stressful. We hope the inception of this gala will do just that.”

The inaugural gala will spotlight some of the people who’ve supported the city of Boston and the Boston Police Department’s efforts, albeit in varying manners.

Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, several of his Boston Police colleagues, and TNT’s Boston’s Finest Producer Donnie Wahlberg among others will all be in attendance as special guests. Edward Davis will be honored for his revitalization of the Boston Police Foundation and his continued support of suicide prevention for the Boston Police Department. Paul Guzzi, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, will be honored for his longstanding support and dedication to the City of Boston.

Funding Boston Police Foundation programs improve Boston Police Officers’ performance and offer support to those risking their safety to ensure the safety of others.  Approximately 88% of the department’s budget goes directly to salaries for uniform and civilian personnel. The Boston Police Foundation does not contribute to department salaries, pensions or overtime.  Its’ job is to close the gap when funding falls short.

The event will feature a silent auction, dinner and beverages along with live entertainment.  Individual tickets are being sold for $200.00.  For more information about event tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please log onto www.bostonpolicefoundation.org or contact bpf@bostonpolicefoundation.org or 617-262-7200.

About The Boston Police Foundation

The Boston Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1993 to provide private financial support for the Boston Police Department’s critically needed resources. Our supporters help fund special equipment, advanced training, new technology, officer safety and wellness, and youth outreach programs not covered in the annual budget. For more information, call 781-760-0947, or visit us at www.bostonpolicefoundation.org.

About Edward F. Davis, III

Edward F. Davis III was the 40th police commissioner of the City of Boston.  Davis previously served as the Superintendent of Police in Lowell for 12 years and has been in law enforcement for 35 years, rising through the ranks from Lowell patrol officer to Boston Police Commissioner in 2006.  Davis has been recognized for his efforts locally and nationally, including through the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Internationally, he has worked in Singapore, London, Northern Ireland, Jordan and Israel.  Davis received a bachelor of science in criminal justice from New Hampshire College in 1986 and a master’s of arts in Criminal Justice in 1990 from Anna Maria College. He has participated in many programs at Harvard University and was the recipient of the prestigious John B. Pickett Fellowship in Criminal Justice Policy and Management. Davis attended the Kennedy School of Government's Program for Senior Government Executives as well as the Senior Management Institute for Police, sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum. Davis also attended the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association program in 1993 at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.   He is currently serving a fellowship with the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a consultant for Community Resources for Justice.

About Paul Guzzi

Paul Guzzi is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations.  A former Massachusetts secretary of state and chief secretary to the Governor, as well as a member of the management teams of two Fortune 500 companies, he is a leading advocate for economic development and job creation.  Prior to leading the Chamber, Mr. Guzzi was vice president of state and community affairs for Boston College; a consultant for Heidrick & Struggles; a vice president at Data General Corporation; and a senior vice president at Wang Laboratories.   A graduate of Harvard University, Mr. Guzzi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in government, and he completed the Harvard Business School’s Management Development program.  He was also an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  In addition to his leadership at the Chamber, Mr. Guzzi is co-host of This Week in Business, a weekly television program on NECN.