The Employee Community Volunteer Awards recognizes Boston Children’s employees for their role as volunteers with community organizations in their communities. The Office of Community Health received many applications for this award and six employees were selected.
The community organizations are all supporting children and families in the New England area. The community organizations will receive $5,000.
Read about the 2024 recipients.
This is an annual award opportunity for Boston Children’s employees. The next opportunity to apply will be February 2026.
Scroll down to meet the 2025 awardees and learn about the organizations where they volunteer.
Award recipients
Charles Blanchette Jr.
- Department: Research Operations
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 3
- Community organization: The Key Foundation
- Years with community organization: 20
Chuck is the CEO of The Key Foundation, and he oversees fundraising, grants, and program development. He also works closely with camp staff, alumni, and community partners.
Kathleen Hong
- Department: Hale Family Center for Families
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 10
- Community organization: CASA Project Worcester County
- Years with community organization: 2.5
Kathleen is an advocate and has helped to facilitate relationship-building between family members. She supports children to make sure that they are safe and their needs are being met, and she collaborates with the Department of Children and Families.
Caylee Pallatto
- Department: Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 3
- Community organization: FriendshipWorks
- Years with community organization: 2
Caylee is a volunteer who visits and spends time weekly with an older adult, which helps to reduce loneliness and social isolation. She also provides other assistance and tasks for FriendshipWorks.
Grace Rahman
- Department: Department of Cardiology
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 4
- Community organization: Science Club for Girls
- Years with community organization: 3
Grace is a volunteer mentor and helps to lead science activities for the Science Club for Girls. She facilitates discussions and serves as a role model.
Debbie Soprano
- Department: PPOC
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 8
- Community organization: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association
- Years with community organization: 15
Debbie is the co-founder, a board member, and a volunteer who supports fundraising and marketing efforts for the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association.
Arkey Taylor
- Department: Supply Chain Administration
- Years of service at Boston Children's: 3
- Community organization: Boston Raiders Youth Football and Cheer Organization
- Years with community organization: 3
Arkey is a vice president, board member, and coach, and also provides leadership and oversight for the Boston Raiders' goals. He also strengthens partnerships, works on fundraising, and builds connections in the Boston community.