Community Servings Board Chair Mark Lippolt, Joan H. Parker, Community Servings CEO David Waters,
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Massachusetts Commisionner of Public Health John Auerbach.

We have been blessed to have many amazing advocates over the years. Thank you!

But it is tough to match the passion and commitment of Joan Parker. A force of nature, Joan has served as Board member, board officer, LifeSavor co-chair for 18 years consecutively, co-chair of two CS capital campaigns, champion of young staff and new board members alike. Always eager to help another nonprofit, but quick to say that her first allegiance is to Community Servings.

Of course, her best ally in all her community pursuits has always been her husband, Bob. Bob wasn't always eager to get involved or attend another charity dinner, but he could never say no to Joan. And ultimately, he wanted to tag along on her pursuits, just to see her in action. He said recently, "Well, if I get bored, at least I'll get to stare at you." Joan and Bob's love affair of 53 years is one for the ages--adoring, irreverent and totally engaging to watch. And we know that Bob is here today, celebrating Joan's achievement, despite his recent passing. We love you, Bob!

I first met Joan 19 years ago, when she hosted her first fundraiser for us in partnership with Michela Larson. We co-chaired the first three years of LifeSavor and Pie in the Sky when we were both board members. We served as board officers together. And when I became the director ten years ago, Joan became my greatest ally. An enthusiastic cheerleader, a sympathetic ear, a brilliant strategist.

I've never seen anyone so eager to delve into a problem, tease out a response, and marshal the troops to move forward with an effective plan.

She is a dream board member - believing in us passionately, even when we don't believe in ourselves. And always, always committed to the mission, the long term vibrancy of the agency, and the vision of feeding more and more sick neighbors.

As you all know, Joan has been eager over the years to leverage Bob's fame on our behalf, adding a hint of Spenser glamour to all our events and social gatherings. We've snuck into many gossip columns over the years, thanks to Joan and Bob. We've sold many unique and memorable Parker auction items. And we've hosted many prospective donors who may have joined us solely to meet Bob and Joan, but ultimately embraced the mission with some prodding from Joan.

My favorite Parker story may be the memory of the Princess Diana dress we auctioned in 1997. Joan heard a local philanthropist Barbara Jordanhad just bought three of Diana's ball gowns at Christies in New York, intending to auction them for three lucky charities. She called me that morning, "How are we going to GET that dress?!" Brainstorming ensued, Bob's help was enlisted and the philanthropist --an avid Spenser fan-- got a handwritten note hand-delivered from Bob the next day. "My wife won't let me alone until I write you," he said. "If you would consider donating one of your Diana dresses to her favorite cause, I would be willing to include you as a character in my next novel." Well, you can be sure we got the dress. We auctioned it off just after the Princess passing, and in 4 minutes of bidding, made a very fast $250,000. Enough to buy our first building, which ultimately became a down payment on our second here on Marbury Terrace.

Indeed, it is fitting, therefore, that we are here today to dedicate the Joan H. Parker Building. Joan and Bob helped us raise $1.2 million to buy the last one. Raised $8 million to buy this one and build it out as a state-of-the-art kitchen and nutrition center, offering more clients the benefit of a nutritious meal and offering our staff an appropriately effective and beautiful environment to do their important work. With the dedication of Joan's Building, Joan will always be working beside us. Inspiring us, prodding us, and causing us to smile at her irreverent sense of humor.

To recognize her tremendous accomplishments, her insightful wisdom and her generous leadership, the Board and staff are proud today to dedicate the Joan H. Parker Building.