How five decades of philanthropy have shaped NECC’s mission — and its future. 

In late September, NECC opened the new Cathy Welch Greenhouse for Growth and Learning on the Southborough campus. The vibrant space, named in honor of longtime staff member Cathy Welch, stands as a living tribute to her 43 years of service and her profound impact on students, families, and colleagues. 

From her start as a teacher at ERI Framingham in 1981 to her roles as director of admissions, chief operating officer at MRC-NECC, and executive director in Southborough, Welch helped shape nearly every corner of the organization. Now, thanks to funds raised during the 2024 Children of Promise Gala, her legacy will help students build vocational and life skills year-round.  

The Greenhouse represents the newest milestone in a long tradition of fundraising innovation and community support — a tradition that began with a simple idea decades ago.

A Fundraising Tradition Takes Root

NECC’s fundraising journey began humbly, when Chief Development Officer RoseAnn Lovely and a staff member organized the very first Night at the Pops at Boston’s Symphony Hall. Families, staff, and supporters of then-NECA gathered to celebrate students and raise money for the growing organization. 

Over the years, this signature fundraising event grew. Parents were intimately involved in the planning, including collecting and donating auction items. To accommodate larger crowds, the celebration moved to Worcester and reemerged in 2001 as Night of Music, with expanded programming and bigger goals. WBZ Radio personality Dan Rea served as emcee for many years. In 2016, the event returned to Boston and was rebranded as the Children of Promise Gala, with KISS 108’s Billy Costa hosting for a couple of years before Jenny Johnson (NESN Dining Playbook) and Robert Smigel (SNL Writer and Comedian) took over the auction.  

The impact has been extraordinary. From 2005 to 2025, the Gala and its earlier iterations have raised more than $13 million. Annual totals surged from just over $145,000 in 2006 to $1.5 million in 2025, reflecting growing awareness, stronger donor engagement, and the deep belief families and supporters have in NECC’s mission.

Annual Fundraising Events 

For two decades, NECC has hosted two major spring events — the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism and the Carlos Placido Dunkin’ Golf Classic for Autism — both of which began as staff-driven efforts and evolved into regional fundraisers that sustain NECC’s Annual Fund throughout the year.

Carlos Placido Dunkin’ Golf Classic

Heather Fortin, MSEd, who was a teacher at NECC and volunteered with the Development Department in 1996, approached her neighbor Neal Faulkner, a Dunkin’ franchisee, for a raffle donation for the golf tournament. Instead, he pledged $5,000 to sponsor the event — the beginning of a long and meaningful partnership. 

On June 2, 2025, golfers gathered at the Franklin Country Club for the 27th annual Dunkin’ Golf Classic, which has now raised nearly $4 million since its founding in 1997. But the tournament’s trajectory changed in 1999 thanks to a stroke of luck — and a knock on a neighbor’s door. 

“The relationship with Neal and Dunkin’ has grown so much,” Fortin reflected. “It was never just a tournament he wanted his name on; he became an integral part of it.” 

Faulkner, a member of NECC’s Board of Directors, joined co-founder Carlos Placido in transforming the tournament into one of NECC’s three signature fundraising events. 

NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism 

Nearly 20 years ago, a small group of staff combined their passion for running and their dedication to NECC to create what became the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism. Today, it has grown into a cherished community tradition. 

More than 1,000 participants (including students, their families, teachers, local companies, and the Southborough community) gather annually for the event, which has raised over $3.5 million for the Annual Fund. The 19th Annual NECC 5K, held on May 3, 2025, at Neary School in Southborough, raised $380,000 through donations, registrations, and sponsorships. 

Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Community 

As NECC embarks on its next 50 years, one thing remains certain: these events — and the generosity behind them — will continue to shape our future. 

They not only bring financial resources for the Annual Fund, but also deepen awareness of NECC’s mission across the region. Every gift, every runner, every golfer, and every gala guest helps expand opportunities for students and strengthens NECC’s impact for generations to come.

This article originally appeared in the 50th Anniversary edition of Insight.