The annual celebration, reintroduced
Eastie Social.
Our annual celebration of East Boston, the people who help it thrive, and the families that gather here.
When all give, all gain.
i. The Day
One evening,
two ways to socialize.
This year our annual celebration took on a new format and a new name. Same spirit, expanded welcome. The whole neighborhood and our closest supporters, together on the East Boston waterfront. One day, in two acts.
The Family Celebration
Free and open to all of East Boston, drawing 500+ neighbors. Showcases from our programs, local music, snacks, and family activities along the harbor. The day the Social Centers come outdoors.
The Reception & Honors
An intimate gathering of 200+ EBSC leadership, board, sponsors, and honored guests, where we recognize the leaders whose stewardship helps East Boston thrive, and where the year's most meaningful conversations happen.
ii. The Why
Work worth celebrating.
Founded in 1918 to meet the needs of a new immigrant population, East Boston Social Centers is one of the neighborhood's oldest community nonprofits. We serve children, families, and seniors at every stage of life: early learning, out-of-school time, teen leadership, family engagement, and active adult programming.
Our families come from countries around the world. The work happens at four locations and reaches into homes, schools, and the city block. Funds raised at The Eastie Social directly support these programs, and ensure the celebration itself stays free and open to every neighbor.
The Hestia Fund & the Friends of East Boston Circle
For years, the Hestia Fund and the Friends of East Boston, a women's giving circle invested in this neighborhood, have quietly shaped East Boston. They direct thoughtful, sustained philanthropy to the organizations that serve East Boston's children, families, and residents: BPS Region 1 schools, YMCA East Boston, Zumix, East Boston Social Centers, and many others.
This year, The Eastie Social recognized their stewardship, and the belief that when we invest in this neighborhood together, all gain.
An evening on the East Boston waterfront.
Sponsors
In good company.
With gratitude to the 2026 sponsors who stood with East Boston.
Joy in Connection
Joy in Giving
Joy in Receiving
Joy in Friendship
In kind
With thanks
Our Host Committee.
Neighbors and civic leaders who lent their names and networks to make The Eastie Social possible.
- Fernando Rosas
- Will Austin
- Dave Bruce Ochoa
- Pasquale Capogreco
- Donna Hardwick
- Donna Cowan
- Lisa Krakoff
- Josh Kraft
iv. Thank you
Thank you for coming.
On October 1 the neighborhood spent an evening on the water, on the dock and in the tent. Thank you to every neighbor, family, sponsor and volunteer who made it happen, and to the Hestia Fund and the Friends of East Boston Circle for the honor of celebrating them.
On the dock, families moved between more than ten activity stations: a magic show, face painting, henna, tarot readings, a portrait illustrator, a photo booth, cotton candy and popcorn, and more.
Follow @ebsocialcenters for more photos from the evening.
Thank you · Thursday, October 1, 2026
Eastie Social is one day. The work is all year.
Everything you saw on the dock comes out of programs that run every day in East Boston. A gift of any size keeps them going.
When all give, all gain.