BOSTON, Mass. — Life Science Cares Boston brought together more than 550 leaders, employees, and partners from across the life sciences industry on April 13 for its annual Impact Breakfast, raising more than $1 million to combat poverty while launching a call to deepen efforts over the next decade.
The event, held at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, marked the start of the organization’s 10-year anniversary year and highlighted both the growing momentum of its mission and the need to expand its reach in Boston communities.
More than $1 million was raised through support from over 75 sponsors and hundreds of attendees. Contributions ranged from $25 to $100,000, reflecting broad participation across the industry.
Takeda served as presenting sponsor, with J.P. Morgan and WilmerHale as innovation sponsors, alongside dozens of companies supporting the organization’s work.
“The energy in the room was extraordinary,” said Rosie Cunningham, Executive Director of Life Science Cares Boston. “This community showed up ready not just to listen but to act. That’s what drives real change.”
The program featured two panels focused on both the urgency of addressing poverty and the opportunities for impact.
The first panel brought together industry and nonprofit leaders, including Yvonne Hao, COO and General Partner at Flagship Pioneering; René Russo, PharmD, President and CEO of Xilio Therapeutics; Patricia Spence, President & CEO of Urban Farming Institute; and Annie Weinberg, Founder & Executive Director of Alexander Twilight Academy. Speakers discussed the challenges facing families across Boston and emphasized the need for greater support for local communities.
Weinberg highlighted the importance of access to opportunity, noting that Massachusetts ranks 46th in economic mobility and stressing the need for young people to be “in the room where it happens.”
The second panel featured four students from Alexander Twilight Academy, ages 11 to 17, who shared their aspirations, including careers as an urban engineer, lawyer, author, and future president.
The event also honored HEALTHY WALTHAM and Maria DiMaggio with the Community Changemaker Award and recognized more than ten leaders for their contributions to the organization’s first decade.
“Ten years ago, this work began with a belief that the life sciences industry could work together to do more,” said Sarah McDonald, CEO of Life Science Cares. “Today, that belief has become a movement powered by collective action, and this is our opportunity to expand that impact and meet the urgency facing communities today.”
The Impact Breakfast launches a milestone year leading up to the organization’s 10-year celebration in November. Upcoming initiatives include Mini Golf for Good, participation in the Falmouth Road Race, and leadership programs such as the Council of Champions.
“We’ve proven what’s possible,” Cunningham said. “Now we go deeper expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and shaping what the next decade looks like together.”
