Our 2nd Annual Light the Night may not have unfolded exactly as envisioned with hailstorms and tornado warnings pushing us indoors. But neither the weather nor the change of plans dampened the spirit of the evening. What was planned as an outdoor soirée transformed into a lively indoor celebration, where our grantee partner Circus Up adapted seamlessly with a memorable performance that set a joyful tone.

And while we weren’t dancing under the glow of the illuminated Zakim Bridge, the night carried on inside with laughter, new connections, and a shared admiration for the mission of The Lenny Zakim Fund.

For me, serving as committee chair was both an honor and a gift. It offered a front-row seat to the remarkable generosity of this community and reminded me why I first became involved with Light the Night. This event embodies the heart of LZF's work - supporting small, grassroots nonprofits that are changing lives and strengthening our communities. The Fund's thoughtful, intentional approach ensures that resources flow to organizations on the ground, where they are needed most.

This year's Light the Night held special significance as we also celebrated 30 years of LZF's powerful legacy. For three decades, the Fund has empowered individuals, lifted up communities, and proven that collective action can build a better world.

As we take a moment to revel in the success of Light the Night 2025, we're already looking ahead. Our charge now is to carry this momentum into the year ahead, supporting LZF not only at next year's event, but every day. Because when our communities are healthier and more vibrant, we all thrive. After all, we are all connected.

Best,

Jessica Hennessy

Chair of the 2025 Light the Night Planning Committee

LZF in the News!

5 for Good: Lenny Zakim Fund celebrates 30 years of supporting local nonprofits

Featuring Allison Picott, Josh Zakim, & Circus Up

Lenny Zakim Fund hosting annual ‘Light the Night’ event – Boston 25 News

Interview with Allison Picott

Fashioning Stronger Communities:

A Charity Fashion Show to Benefit LZF

Buy Your Tickets Here!

Grantee Spotlight: Urban Powerhouse

Read the full spotlight here!

“Urban Powerhouse became my anchor during one of the most transformative chapters of my life — motherhood,” says Rachelle.

“It’s where I found pieces of myself I thought I’d lost (or didn’t even know I had), pushed past limits, reclaimed my strength, and redefined what it means to show up for myself. In the chaos of motherhood, this space became my sanctuary.”

Turn Your DAF Into Action - And a Match

Are you a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) holder? Join the #HalfMyDAF movement and help move charitable dollars off the sidelines and into the communities that need them.

If you commit to spending down half of your DAF by September 26, 2025, your donation to The Lenny Zakim Fund may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000, and we could even receive a $25,000 bonus match.

It's easy: make a grant to LZF, save your grant confirmation, and submit your pledge at halfmydaf.com. Grants over $250 qualify, and the more donors who participate, the better our chances.

Let's put philanthropy into action - your impact could be doubled.

#HALFMYDAF

About The Lenny Zakim Fund

The Lenny Zakim Fund is a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit organization that relies 100% on the generosity of our donors to support our annual operating budget, which includes our annual grants program. Since its founding in 1995, The Fund has awarded over $13 million in grants to nearly 400 grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit www.thelennyzakimfund.org.

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