Family Health Center of Worcester launches new fundraiser, hopes to set donation record

Image | Matt Wright Family Health Center of Worcester

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Family Health Center of Worcester, which is just coming off a year of financial troubles, is reimagining its fall fundraiser with the theme of celebrating Worcester’s culturally diverse communities.

The event, jovially dubbed Healthy Ever After, will include an opening reception followed by TED Talk-styled storytelling and performances, according to a Monday press release by FHCW.

FHCW has successfully raised $100,000 at past events and hopes to meet, if not succeed that goal come October’s fundraiser, Senior Director of Development Heather Olson said in an email to WBJ.

Healthy Ever After will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at the DCU Center in Worcester.

“This event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our diverse community and is sure to be an inspiring evening," Lou Brady, FHCW president and CEO, said in the release.

FHCW has been in the process of recovering from the financial hardships which came to a head in September 2022 when the organization closed two locations, laying off 35 employees, and furloughing 15. Medical personnel attempted to oust Brady, though he was backed by FHCW’s board and held his position, implementing a 120-day improvement plan in November 2022, resulting in a $1.2-million budget surplus for its 2023 fiscal year.

For the October fundraiser, Broadway in Worcester, a performing arts organization working to bring Broadway performers to Central Massachusetts, will direct the event’s entertainment while providing performance and storytelling coaching and rehearsal support.

Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.