Boston Celtics and Mass. State Lottery Honor “Heroes” at Special State House Ceremony

Boston — The Boston Celtics and the Massachusetts State Lottery honored their 2015-16 Heroes Among Us recipients at a State House ceremony today. The ceremony was attended by government officials, community leaders, and professional athletes, recognizing extraordinary deeds that ranged from saving lives to bettering the lives of the less fortunate.

The honorees were recognized by Celtics Co-Owner Bob Epstein, Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics Assistant Coach Walter McCarty, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Charlie Baker, and Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deborah Goldberg before a group of more than 150 invited guests. Celtics public address announcer Eddie Palladino was the emcee for the ceremony.

“I am honored to be here today to help celebrate the achievements of the 2015-16 Heroes Among Us,” said Epstein. “Each hero inspires us to continue improving the lives of others and our communities.”

“Through their collective commitment, perseverance and selflessness, these outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth are an inspiration to us all,” said Goldberg. “It is an honor to join in celebrating these true heroes who make our community a better place.”

More than 40 heroes, each of whom was celebrated at a Celtics home game during the season, were recognized individually before being called to the stage to receive congratulations from Epstein, Olynyk, McCarty, Baker, and Goldberg.

“Our fans always cheer for the team, but the loudest cheer of the night is always for the hero that is being recognized,” said Olynyk. “It is an honor to be here to help celebrate them.”

Also recognized at the event was Jerry Robbins, the owner of Weldon Worldwide Services of Auburndale, Mass., who regularly donates car service to the charity.

"With 18,000 fans in the building on game nights, our hope is to inspire many of them to serve others as a result of the Hero's story,” said Celtics Sr. Director of Community Engagement Dave Hoffman. “About 10 years ago, one of those inspired was Jerry Robbins. Jerry called the morning after a game and insisted on donating car service to every hero from then on. Since that day, Jerry and his company, Weldon Worldwide, has logged tens of thousands of miles getting award winners to and from each game. They have been so generous to us, our program and nominees. We are so grateful of our partners; the Massachusetts Lottery, Comcast SportNet, 98.5 the Sports Hub, our award winners and of course Weldon Worldwide in their commitment to this movement." 

The Heroes Among Us program, created by the Celtics prior to the 1997-98 season, is sponsored by the Massachusetts State Lottery and supported by Comcast SportsNet New England , and 98.5 The SportsHub.

Visit celtics.com for more information.

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