KINGSTON, PLYMOUTH – Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless, working to nurture and empower families and individuals seeking basic needs assistance by providing them shelter, food, and educational resources necessary to reach their potential and independence, announces it will hold its Annual Luncheon & Phyllis Hughes Award on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at 12 p.m. at East Bay Grille on the Plymouth Waterfront. Laurie Caraher, vice president and branch manager of Eastern Savings Bank in Plymouth, will receive the Phyllis Hughes Award for Public Service.
The annual event is a celebration of the impact Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless has made throughout the South Shore, by working daily to empower deserving families and individuals in our community by providing emergency shelter, food, and basic needs.
The luncheon is also an opportunity to honor the legacy of Phyllis Hughes, who mirrored the very ideals the Coalition stands for and led by example with her track record of personal public service. As publisher of the Old Colony Memorial newspaper, Phyllis Hughes founded the Children’s Holiday Fund, and garnered the support of local businesses, individuals, families, and community groups to ensure that our less fortunate neighbors would enjoy a meaningful holiday season. A champion of all things that moved our community forward, her commitment went beyond the holidays, as she tirelessly utilized her business acumen, compassion, and genuine goodness to improve the lives of those in need throughout the year.
This year’s honoree, Laurie Caraher, is well known throughout the community as she consistently stays involved in efforts that benefit Plymouth and beyond. In addition to working as vice president and branch manager for Eastern Bank’s Plymouth Branch over the last 10 years, Caraher currently serves as treasurer of the Jordan Hospital Club, board member of the YMCA, and as ambassador for the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Laurie is a true community leader who embodies many of the attributes of Phyllis, and her efforts on behalf of our community are nothing short of amazing,” said Suzanne R. Giovanetti, CEO of Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. “We look forward to coming together to celebrate Laurie and Phyllis and their commitment to public service, and are so grateful for the support of our community which allows us to fulfill our mission of helping individuals and families in need.”
For information on tickets or sponsorships, please contact Sue Giovanetti at 781-582-2010 or 774-283-1206 or sgiovanetti@plymouthareacoalition.org.