Worcester’s Open Sky’s Safe Homes gala raises $200K, honors leaders

Worcester, Massachusetts–based Open Sky Community Services raised over $200K during its largest and most successful gala to benefit Safe Homes — which is celebrating 30 years of serving LGBTQIA+ youth.

Read the full article from Boston Spirit Magazine here!

Worcester, Massachusetts–based Open Sky Community Services raised over $200K during its largest and most successful gala to benefit Safe Homes — which is celebrating 30 years of serving LGBTQIA+ youth. At the gala, Open Sky honored eight individuals and organizations with its 2025 People of Courage Awards for their outstanding actions in support of equality and justice in Central Massachusetts.

“We are especially proud to be a member of the Central Massachusetts community, honoring so many wonderful individuals and organizations that epitomize the inclusion and belonging that has been at the core of our Safe Homes program for three decades,” said Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates. “We are so appreciative of our sponsors and supporters for making this our most well attended and successful gala yet, and for the strength and resilience of the youth, past and present, that we have had the pleasure of serving.”

Speakers included Massachusetts State Senator Robyn Kennedy. The event was emceed by Ché Anderson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for City and Community Relations at UMass Chan Medical School, and Connor Hayden, Safe Homes Advisory Committee Member and Yale University graduate student.

The People of Courage Awards, in its 20th year, honored the following passionate and dedicated individuals and businesses who have demonstrated commitment and courage in support of LGBTQIA+ youth and other marginalized groups:

• Skylar Mendez (she/they) of Worcester, received the Youth Award for her fearless participation in Safe Homes for the past two years and for her passionate advocacy for the queer community.
• Matthew Gonzalez (he/him) of Worcester, received the Community Champion Award for his commitment to creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can connect and feel safe.
• Heath Umbreit (they/them), of Boston, was presented with the Inspiration and Innovation Award for their professional trainings and advocacy on trans inclusion in libraries at the state, regional and national level.
• Mass Youth Soccer, the official representative of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer in Massachusetts, was recognized with the People’s Choice Award for fostering environments that support development, encourage dreams, and foster belonging and inclusion.
• The Woo Bar & Grill was honored with the Small Business Award for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals at its Worcester-based establishment. Owners Jon Pittsley (he/him) and Eddie Rocco (he/him) opened The Woo Bar & Grill in 2023 and have over 30 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry.
• Shane Franzen (he/him) of Fitchburg, received the Safe Homes Partnership Award for his support of LGBTQIA+ youth at Fitchburg State University and advocacy of Safe Homes North on the campus.
• New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a nonprofit owned and operated by one of the oldest horticultural societies in the country, was honored with the Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award for its commitment to inclusion and belonging.