Celebrating Community, Legacy, and Connection: Highlights from the 2026 RVMS Gala

Oct 30

2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Photography by: Leise Jones Photography

We Raised $88,172 for Roslindale!

Thank you, Roslindale! Together we raised $88,172 at the 5th Annual RVMS Gala. Every dollar goes straight back into the neighborhood to fund free cultural programming and support small businesses.

On Thursday, October 29, neighbors, business owners, volunteers and community leaders filled The Substation. It was a night full of laughter, gratitude and a lot of Rozzie love. Here are a few moments we’re still thinking about.

A tribute to Glenn and Janice Williams

The heart of the night was honoring former Board President Glenn Williams and his late wife, former Executive Director Janice Williams. For decades they brought arts, activism and neighborhood building together. They helped establish the Roslindale Farmers Market in Adams Park and co-led the Roslindale Arts Alliance, which launched Open Studios and Porchfest. For 24 years they also spotlighted local creatives on BNN’s "It’s All About Arts."

Photography by: Leise Jones Photography

The evening also included remarks from Mayor Michelle Wu and State Representative Rob Consalvo who shared memories of the couple. Glenn closed by talking about the love he and Janice shared for the community. Then he asked the whole room to raise their arms and send a “love” signal into the air. So we did.

Photography by: Leise Jones Photography

What we did together this year

Executive Director Emma Blaxter shared some highlights from RVMS' past year:

90,000+ neighbors came to free events like the Farmers Market, Pride on the Plaza, Salsa on Birch and Dumpling Fest
$300,000+ invested in the neighborhood through small business grants, physical improvements and programming
85+ local businesses got direct support, multilingual workshops and signage grants
1,300+ SNAP transactions at the Farmers Market redeemed more than $22,000 in benefits. Another $17,000 in RVMS Market Bucks went to local families and farmers.

Thank you!

A huge thank-you to Gala Chair Lauren Edmundson, the whole Gala Committee, and the RVMS Board. Thank you also to everyone who bid on auction items, raised a paddle or helped behind the scenes. You showed up for Roslindale and for Glenn and Janice. You proved once again that when we invest in each other, the whole neighborhood thrives.