The second annual Sweet Home Project, a philanthropic alliance between Dancing Deer Baking Co. and One Family, strives to raise awareness of family homelessness in Massachusetts and raising money through the sale of Sweet Home products to help move families into homes of their own. Mayor Menino spoke at the kick-off of the four week campaign to discuss the problem of homelessness in the city of Boston as well as unveil the Sweet Home Gingerbread house he decorated with his daughter, Susan Fenton. Last year, over 100 celebrity Gingerbread houses were displayed throughout the city and the program raised $40,000 for One Family.

The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, opened a brand-new outdoor ice skating rink. The long-time dream of hotel owner Dick Friedman, this 2900-square foot rink was welcomed by hotel guests as well as local Boston area residents. Tenley Albright, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal, was one of the first guests to test out the rink. Nationally-ranked ice dancer Loren-Galler Rabinowitz taught young children the basics of ice skating, and the Harvard Figure Skating Club put on group and individual performances for a large crowd. Chef Peter Davis of the hotel's restaurant Henrietta's Table served homemade hot chocolate and ginger bread cookies to all.

The Benefit for Children, co-chaired by Laurie Marcello, Abby Albrecht, Bud Napier and Jonilee Rossi, was held at Davio's on December 4th. The party was a huge success, benefiting both St. Ann's Home and the Home for Little Wanderers. More than 400 people showed up, many with kids in tote. While the children had their faces painted and enjoyed music and Santa, the adults ate scrumptious food and participated in a silent auction and raffle that would astound anyone. The party raised more this year in funds and gifts, than in years past!

Theo Epstein, General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, delivered the first gifts to kick off The Home for Little Wanderer's (The Home) 'Big Wishes for Little Wanderers' gift drive this week. Theo joined his twin brother, Paul, a former employee at The Home and Joan Wallace-Benjamin, CEO and President, The Home to hand the gifts to our children.