Fall River, MA — Saint Vincent’s Services (SVS) welcomed approximately 150 community members, sponsors, donors, and supporters to its annual Summer Celebration Gala on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the historic Fall River Carousel. The waterfront cocktail-style event raised nearly $80,000 to support the Agency’s multi-phase emergency generator initiative, a critical infrastructure project that will help ensure uninterrupted care for children, youth, and families during power outages and emergencies.
The evening featured local cuisine by Red Oak Hospitality and desserts by Edible Creations by Gerry, a hosted bar, carousel rides, music, games, and a silent auction, creating a relaxed summer atmosphere while highlighting the importance of philanthropy in sustaining Saint Vincent’s Services’ mission.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Carlin “Coach” Lynch Humanitarian Award to Sister Helen McPeak, SUSC. A Holy Union Sister who has served Saint Vincent’s Services for more than 35 years, Sister Helen was recognized for her unwavering compassion, leadership, and dedication to the children, families, and staff of the organization through her work overseeing pastoral care.
Named in memory of former Saint Vincent’s Services Board Member Carlin ‘Coach’ Lynch, who passed away in 2019, the humanitarian award honors individuals who quietly and selflessly dedicate themselves to improving the lives of children, families, and the community while exemplifying Coach Lynch’s legacy of humility, kindness, and service.
“Our Summer Celebration Gala is a testament to what is possible when a community comes together in support of children who have experienced significant trauma,” said Kristen L. Dutra, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Vincent’s Services.”The generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests allows us to invest in critical infrastructure like our emergency generator initiative while ensuring the youth and families we serve continue to receive safe, uninterrupted care. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this evening such a tremendous success and it was our honor to award Sister Helen with this year’s humanitarian award. After working with her for over two decades’ no one is more deserving.”
Saint Vincent’s Services extends sincere appreciation to this year’s generous sponsors, including ABC Floor Covering, Inc., Alltrust Credit Union, BankFive, BayCoast Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank, Brown University Health, Diocese of Fall River, East Bay Pharmacy, Eastern Bank, First Bristol Corporation/Karam Management, Inc., First Citizens Federal Credit Union, Gay & Gay, P.C., International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4, Law Offices of Jane E. Sullivan, P.C., Livingston & Haynes, P.C., Long Built Homes, Michael & Allison Kirkman in Honor of Sister Barbara, SUSC, OneGrid Energy Integration, Plimoth Investment, Preferred Concrete Corp., Prima CARE, Somerset Glass Company, Southcoast Health, Thermo Capital Partners, Toyota of Dartmouth, and Zibra Corporation for their continued support of the Agency’s mission.
