On Thursday May 5, The Human Relations Service (HRS) will present its 6th annual Arnold Kerzner Award to Lea Anderson of Wayland. HRS is the private non-profit mental health clinic serving children and families in Wayland, Weston, and Wellesley. It provides counseling to residents regardless of ability to pay.

 

The Arnold Kerzner Award honors outstanding contributions to the well-being of the community. It is named for HRS’s Chief Psychiatrist, Arnold Kerzner, M.D., who, for 40 years has brought great passion, unparalleled skill and deep caring to his work supporting children and families.

 

Among her many contributions to Wayland, Lea Anderson has served as a member of the School Committee and the Wayland Master Plan Committee, and most recently as Chairman of the Wayland High School Building Committee. She is also Moderator of the First Parish in Wayland.

 

Wayland’s Stephen Winthop, President of HRS, notes, “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Lea. She is incredibly generous and cares deeply about the well-being of our entire community. Just as HRS is here to help strengthen families when they need it, Lea is always ready to extend herself on behalf of our children, our schools, and our town.”

 

The Kerzner Award Dinner and Auction features a gourmet dinner, prepared and donated by local celebrity chefs, including Wayland resident Geoff Gardner, Chef, owner and Creative Director of Sel de la Terre; Mitchell Maxwell, Executive Chef and owner of Maxwell’s 148; and Jason Stump, Chef at The Cottage. The evening will feature a silent and live auction, which include vacation getaways, theatre and sports tickets, art, and other fine items. All proceeds from the gala go directly to help children, adolescents and families receive the mental health treatment they need, regardless of their ability to pay. To reserve a table or tickets, to make a donation, or for questions, please contact HRS’s Director of Development, Donna Poretsky at 781-235-4950. Seating is extremely limited.