under a tuscan moon

gala awardees

2009

 

RESPOND is proud to honor the following outstanding allies in the struggle to end domestic violence.

 

Alan Trefler

Rita Bourgeois Leadership Award

For his dedication as a visionary philanthropist inspiring engaged, healthy, and vibrant communities where

everyone has a chance to thrive.  As CEO of Pegasystems Inc. where community involvement and philanthropic

efforts are central to the company’s cultural values,Mr. Trefler has been a generous corporate partner to RESPOND

for many years, providing lead sponsorship of the RESPOND Gala since its inception in 2004.   In addition,

Mr. Trefler’s exemplary leadership in giving back to the community has been a role model for many other

Pegasystems employees who are actively involved in supporting diverse charitable causes through financial

support and volunteerism.

 

Shawn MacMaster

Timothy White Take A Stand Award

For his outstanding work with survivors of domestic violence and their families in his role as Deputy Chief of

Community Outreach & Training at the Victim Witness Services Bureau in the Middlesex County District

Attorney’s Office and as a core member of the Somerville and Cambridge High Risk Assessment Teams.

Dedicated, persistent, and caring, Mr. MacMaster has gone above and beyond the call of duty time and

again and helped hundreds of survivors find safety, access crucial legal and support services, and rebuild

healthier lives free from abuse.

 

Marina Seevak

Marie Siraco Community Activism Award

For her thoughtful generosity and commitment to helping survivors and their children maintain a level

of normalcy and pleasure in their daily lives, even in the midst of crisis.  Ms. Seevak combines financial

giving with active participation in the lives RESPOND program participants—a tribute to the legacy

of deeply held family values handed down from her parents Elinor Seevak and the late Sheldon Seevak.

Sharing her compassion and expertise in early childhood education with residents in RESPOND’s

emergency shelter, Ms. Seevak regularly provides personalized gifts, decorations, and food for children’s

birthday parties, helps to plan creative art projects for kids of all ages, and has supported weekly house

dinners that enable parents and children to plan menus and cook meals together.