In 2023, Deborah and Charles Gray made their most significant gift to The Home yet: they announced the England Gray Legacy Fund at Voices & Visions, our annual spring fundraiser and gala. Deborah has been on The Home’s Board of Directors for 20 years, is currently serving as Secretary, and the Grays have been longtime supporters of Voices & Visions. Deborah even co-chaired the celebration in 2007 at The Seaport World Trade Center; the event raised a record $1 million and was attended by special guest Governor Deval Patrick. Deborah’s deep commitment to our organization is fueled by her personal connection. She was in foster care as a baby and adopted through The Home at just 13 months old. Her parents, for whom service—and kindness—is a way of life, also adopted one of her brothers. Given the importance of our agency to their family, when Deborah was looking to engage in charity work after graduating from college, naturally, her parents suggested The Home. Deborah was working as an attorney at WilmerHale when she reached out to The Home to share her story and desire to contribute. Shortly thereafter, she was asked to serve on The Home’s Board of Directors; she has been involved ever since. Now Vice President and General Counsel for The Achievement Network, Deborah brings her corporate legal background and expertise on board governance to the role, as well as gratitude. “I realize how fortunate I was to be plucked out of the foster care system at such an early age, with the help of The Home,” she shares.
Deborah’s commitment to The Home and philanthropic contributions stem from her desire to give hope to children. “The Home helps children who have been dealt a very difficult hand and don’t have the opportunities that I’ve been given, and my kids have been given,” she says. The England Gray Legacy Fund, which combines a significant donation with a matching component to move others to give generously, was created to help present children and families with opportunities that will, in turn, better their lives.
Initially, the Grays intended to earmark a portion of their estate to leave to The Home. But when their financial advisor asked, “Why wait? Why not donate that amount while you’re still alive?” They thought, why indeed? With this truly transformational gift, the Grays experience how they are helping and know that they’re funding critical programs that aim to reach as many children and families as possible. They know what they do matters. “The Home has so much data on outcomes and how we’re improving children’s and families’ lives,” says Deborah. “I absolutely see The Home making a difference. That’s the story I’d like people to know about. We have an amazing 200+ year history, and we have impact.”
