Tom Murphy will be honored at the Carver Center benefit April 23.

By Janice Llanes Fabry

Longtime resident Tom Murphy will be honored at the Carver Center’s annual spring benefit at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich on April 23. He will be presented with the Sister Rosemary Sheehan Award for outstanding community volunteer service.

“I’m proud of the positive impact that Carver brings to Port Chester,” said Murphy, who served on Carver’s board of directors from 2012 to 2018. “This honor is really a reflection of the hard-working staff and board, especially former board chairs Dinah Howland and Maureen Gomez who devoted countless hours to develop the best strategies for delivering first-rate community services.”

Murphy and his wife Christy, who moved to Harrison 30 years ago and raised their three daughters here, have been supporters of Carver Center for over 25 years. Early on, they recognized the needs of Port Chester residents, nearly half of whom are born outside of the United States.

“Housing is expensive, so you will find multiple families living in small spaces,” explained Murphy. Most families who walk through Carver’s doors can’t afford the cost of programs for their children.”

Murphy brought his professional expertise in financial services and technology to his role on the board. During his tenure, he chaired the Development Committee, launching fundraisers and special events. He and fellow board members were responsible for the expansion of afterschool programs (CAP) and summer camps, as well as building renovations.

“Today, we have a strong CEO in Anne Bradner, and the staff and board have a pulse on what happens in Port Chester,” said Murphy. “They make it easy to support their work.”

Murphy applauds Carver’s efforts in anticipating the community’s ever-changing needs and acting as an emergency resource center during extremely challenging times.

“During Covid, Carver Center pivoted quickly to offer solutions. It worked closely with community partners to coordinate food delivery and supplies,” he explained. “Working with the STEM Alliance of Larchmont, Carver addressed the inequities of the digital divide and leveled the playing field for Port Chester High students by providing Chromebooks and improving Internet access.” 

Murphy added, “Community centers are really impactful places for people all ages, so I believe it is important to support their efforts as the generous residents of Rye, Harrison, Purchase, and Greenwich do. One key differentiating factor is that there’s no off-season. Carver is open to the Port Chester community six days a week throughout the year.” 

Carver CEO Bradner noted, “Tom Murphy exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that was at the essence of Sister Rosemary Sheehan’s spirit, actively serving students and the poor. He and his family have been ardent supporters of many local organizations and have recognized the important role Carver Center has played in the community, especially these last two years.”

At the upcoming spring benefit, the Center’s only fund-raising event, Children’s Hope Chest of Harrison will also be honored. The event is chaired by Yvette Hammel, Claire Steinberg, Laura Iverson, Molly Mahoney, and Blair Metrailler.

<For benefit tickets and sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit carvercenter.org.>