Donnie Wahlberg to Be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for His Enduring Impact on Entertainment and Philanthropy
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Boston Arts Academy Foundation, a vital 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, proudly presents its annual star-studded BAAF Honors event with the theme «The Power of Art to Transform Well-Being.» The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Legendary musician, actor and Boston native Donnie Wahlberg will receive the lifetime achievement award and notables such as Eliza Dushkin Palandjian will receive the TV + Film recognition, and New Edition singer and songwriter Johnny Gill will receive the music award and treat the crowd to a live performance!
BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark will serve as co-chair along with Pam Reeve, Boston Arts Academy Foundation Board Member, Former CEO, current Director of publicly traded and non-profit companies, and passionate supporter of women and diversity progress.
This signature event is the largest annual single funding source for the Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Guests will enjoy live performances by BAA students and alumni.
«While talent is evenly distributed in Boston, opportunity is not. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make opportunities and experiences possible for the students of Boston Arts Academy,” says BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark. “Honors is a truly magical night where we celebrate the arts and spotlight the incredible professionals who demonstrate talent and leadership for our vibrant youth community.”
2025 Honorees:
- Dance Honoree – Dianne Walker – also known as Lady Di, is an American tap dancer. Her thirty-year career spans Broadway, television, film, and international dance concerts. Walker is the artistic director of TapDancin, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Fashion Honoree – David Josef – From Debbie Reynolds to Raquel Welch, Boston fashion designer David Josef has dressed the best. His expertise has allowed him to give back in many ways and foster the growth of new designers. He is recognized internationally and his atelier is located in Waltham, MA.
- Visual Art Honoree – Ieasha James is a premiere event designer creating jaw-dropping events, experiences and visual wonders throughout Boston and New England. She is the owner of Endless Flair Events and works passionately to make client dreams come true and supports her community through many philanthropic endeavors. Each of her events emphasizes the main purpose and she also works as a coach and mentor to others in the industry.
- TV + Film Honoree – Eliza Dushku Palandjian is a mother, philanthropist, wellness specialist and former actress and producer. She has studied the piano, drums, and several types of dance (jazz, tap, and ballet). She began performing at the Watertown Children’s Theater in her youth and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. She is now an active wellness professional, philanthropist and activist living in Boston.
- Music Honoree – Johnny Gill is a singer songwriter and two-time Soul-Train award winner. He has two Grammy nominations and is the 2019 winner of the SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award for Album of the Year (for Game Changer II). He recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity with his song, «Rub You the Right Way» on the popular social media app TikTok, with various influencers using the song for their videos. He is well known for being a part of New Edition, the American R&B/pop group from the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.
- Civic Responsibility Honoree – Grace Lee is a Philanthropist and the Massachusetts Regional President, Executive Vice President at M&T Bank. Lee has combined over twenty-five years of public and private leadership. She is passionate about showing how money can fund arts, culture and inspire a lifetime of joy and purpose. She recently inspired a fundraising group in support of BAA with, “If ever a time we needed the arts, it is now.”
- Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Donnie Wahlberg is an American singer, actor, and producer. He gained fame as a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. He later transitioned to acting, starring in films like «The Sixth Sense» and «Saw» and the TV series «Blue Bloods.” He is currently filming “Boston Blue” in and around town. Donnie is one of nine children from Dorchester, Massachusetts.
For additional information about the Boston Arts Academy, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, the 2025 Honors Event on October 23rd, or to purchase tickets, sponsorships, or place an ad, visit https://bostonartsacademy.org/foundation/2025-baaf-honors/.
Contacts
Media Alert:
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Doug Haslam – [email protected]
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