Our Best Chef fundraiser was a standout success, and it’s all because of you. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, attendees and supporters, the evening was a powerful show of a community coming together to support its neighbors.
The evening was vibrant, lively, and full of momentum. It began with a Taste of the North Shore, where guests enjoyed an incredible spread of dishes from top local restaurants while connecting with others who share a deep commitment to this community.
Chefs Aaron Chambers, Julio Varela, and Mogs Moremong brought both talent and heart to the competition, transforming everyday pantry ingredients into thoughtful, inventive dishes in just 45 minutes. Judged by Anna Rossi, Bill Fogarty, Ryan Blodgett, and Katy Sweetland, the competition was spirited. Congratulations to Chef Mogs of ROOT, who earned the title of Best Chef 2026!
As the competition heated up, so did the room. A high-energy raffle and live auctions kept the excitement building throughout the night, while powerful stories from dedicated volunteers Chris Connors and Bill and Joanne Panunzio, reminded us of the impact happening every day.
“All of us in the program have moments that cause us to stop and pause. The single parent trying to raise a family on a tight income, or someone working four jobs and still struggling to make ends meet,” Bill shared.
Every day, neighbors from all walks of life come through Beverly Bootstraps’ doors, looking for stability and support as they navigate through some of life’s hardest moments. Your generosity helps fuel our programs.
“As a volunteer, you know the clients struggles and you truly enjoy getting to know them," Chris said. "When the clients have a big smile when they see me, or when their kids run up to tell me what happened in school that day, it validates the adage that there is “more happiness in giving, than receiving.”
“We are people building up other people. And the need for that right now is greater than ever,” Bill added. “We understand that as volunteers, we give the time. But it's the funding and donations that make all those programs work.” Your presence and generosity make our work possible. This was truly a celebration of what a community can accomplish together. |
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Couldn’t make it this year? Be part of the impact: |
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On Saturday, May 9, letter carriers across the country will collect bags of non-perishable food items left by mailboxes as part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Simply leave your donation (no glass or expired items, please!) by your mailbox that morning, and your postal worker will do the rest. Your participation helps ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
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Our Food Pantry is currently in need of canned tuna, mac & cheese, and diaper donations (sizes 5 & 6).
Donations can be dropped off at Beverly Bootstraps (35 Park St.) or placed in our collection boxes at Stop & Shop (224 Elliott St. & 37 Enon St.), Shaw’s (71 Dodge St.), or the Council on Aging (90 Colon St., Beverly). Please make sure all items are within their use-by date. Thank you for standing with us in the fight against hunger! |
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Cutler Celebrates With Service |
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Cutler Elementary School 5th graders chose to celebrate their final year by giving back at Beverly Bootstraps. After touring our facility, they sorted their clothing drive donations for our Thrift Shop and assembled Snack Bags for other kids in the community. Thank you for spending the day with us. Your efforts make a real impact on others.
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AMG Continues Commitment to Local Children |
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Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) continues to demonstrate its commitment to local children by providing nearly 200 Kids Weekend Bags each month. These bags ensure children have access to nutritious food outside of school hours. Thank you, AMG, for investing in the next generation of our community.
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Beverly Hospital Expands Access to Fresh Food |
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Beverly Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, awarded us a grant to support our Mobile Market program. This funding helps us continue delivering free, fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 500 residents in local housing communities and seniors across Beverly. Thank you for helping us make fresh food more accessible and strengthening the wellbeing of our neighbors.
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#ProjectY A Day of Community Service Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
At Beverly grocery stores
#ProjectY is the YMCA of the North Shore’s annual teen volunteer day, with over 200 teens taking part in hands-on service. On Saturday, April 25, they'll be at Beverly grocery stores—Henry’s, Shaw’s, and Stop & Shop (Elliott and Enon Streets)—collecting food donations for the Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry. If you see them while shopping, please consider donating!
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Stamp Out Hunger Saturday, May 9
The annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive yields thousands of pounds of food for the Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry to help our neighbors in need. We hope you will leave a bag of non-perishable goods (no glass or expired items, please!) by your mailbox on Saturday, May 9, for your postal worker to collect.
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The Frame at 198 April 11 – May 2 Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop, 198 Rantoul St, Beverly
The Frame at 198: Green, on display now through May 2, transforms the Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop into a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection. This year’s theme, Green, highlights sustainability, renewal, and the beauty found in our environment and community. Stop by to explore works from local artists, experience the exhibition, and maybe take a piece home, with a portion of each sale supporting Beverly Bootstraps’ programs.
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Don’t miss our emails!
Be sure to check your SPAM or Promotions folder and add @beverlybootstraps.org to your contacts so our messages land safely in your inbox. |
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