Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly provides more than just great food to the elderly in the Greater Boston area
“Flowers before bread.” That’s the motto of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, an international charity that believes that life is about more than just the bare necessities. Started in France in the 1940s by Armand Marquiset, a nobleman and philanthropist who considered love and dignity to be just as important as food and shelter, the organization has since spread its mission of companionship for the isolated and impoverished elderly throughout the world—including in Boston, where a chapter was founded in 1979.
Elderly, low-income women from the Greater Boston area enjoyed a special Mother’s Day luncheon in Jamaica Plain.
And on May 7, 2011, a team of 13 OAT associates put this motto into practice by hosting a Mother’s Day luncheon at the Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly headquarters in Jamaica Plain—an elegantly refurbished Victorian home, replete with fine china and finer company. Elderly, low-income women from all over the Greater Boston area were brought to the house for a memorable afternoon of good food and good times. Dave Lubchansky, OAT’s Vice President of Traveler Relations, led a lively sing-along as he played songs on the keyboard, while Grand Circle Foundation Vice President Maury Peterson’s young son brightened the women’s day by handing out name tags.
Thirteen OAT associates helped host a special luncheon filled with food, flowers, and smiles.
Although the organization may place flowers before bread, the bread was certainly not lacking. Guests enjoyed a catered meal of chicken and broccoli pasta, bread, salad, beverages, and a delicious cake for dessert. Eventually, it was time for everyone to head home, but not before receiving a goody bag filled with cookies, brownies, and other treats baked by OAT volunteers—and, of course, flowers.
This year’s Mother’s Day luncheon was organized by one of OAT’s Group Sales Account Representatives, Donna Clark, who—though her hectic tasks kept her busy—could not help but notice the smiles on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed their day together. OAT has been working with Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly since 1994, and has raised a total of $148,500 in donations to help the organization carry out its mission of love and respect.
To learn more about the work of Grand Circle Foundation—or to sign up for its monthly e-newsletter—visit www.grandcirclefoundation.org.