20th Salute To Framingham To Honor: Mark and Karen Curtis, Dave Gudejko

In 1992, the Salute to Framingham was created to honor individuals for their
outstanding commitment and service to Framingham’s youth. These honorees join a select group of people who have made a real difference in the lives of the children of Framingham.

On Thursday, March 22, the 20th Annual Salute to Framingham will honor Mark and Karen Curtis and Dave Gudejko.

Since 1989, Mark and Karen Curtis have been sponsoring a free Thanksgiving Day dinner for those in need. With the help of volunteers, Mark and Karen Curtis have prepared and served traditional Thanksgiving meals to thousands of needy families for more than two decades.

Last year, at the “Curtis Family Feed," nearly 1,700 people had a free, hot Thanksgiving dinner either delivered to their door or served to them at
Eagles Hall in Framingham.

The annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving dinner brings together to follow the example that have set for the last 23 years.

As owners/operators of the , the Curtis’ service to the Framingham community continues year round with service to senior residents of Memorial House and the . Through the years, Mark & Karen Curtis have been also a part of community family events ranging from Concerts on the Common to the groundbreaking at

Dave Gudejko has been involved in the town of Framingham since moving here in 1978. For almost three decades, Gudejko has been active in Framingham Baseball in many capacities including serving as president of both Little League and Framingham Babe Ruth.

He has coached, chaired many fundraising activities and answered the call
whenever he was asked. In addition, Gudejko worked closely with as field liaison where he scheduled fields for more than 1,000 players.

For many years, Gudejko volunteered to get up before sunrise on cold Sunday
mornings to make sure that the kids got safely onto buses to enjoy the Framingham Parks and Recreation department’s ski and snowboard program. That same attitude and spirit was brought to the Boosters, when as past president he helped shape that organization.

Additionally, Gudejko has coached CYO basketball and administered many
youth programs through CYO including community outreach programs, ski trips and bowling.

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This year, the Salute to Framingham will present the Jim O’Connor Community
Service Award to the . Named for former Framingham High athletic director and founder of the Salute to Framingham, this award honors an organization whose work benefits the youth of Framingham.

The Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation was established by Framingham Co-operative Bank in 1998 as a reflection of its long-standing commitment to the local community.

In addition to these honorees, the Salute program also recognizes Framingham teachers and staff who make each day “special” in our public schools. The event also acknowledge graduating Framingham High students who positively impact the school community.

The Salute to Framingham will take place on Thursday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the
. Complete details and ticket information are available at
www.salute-to-framingham.com

Proceeds from the Salute to Framingham benefit the Framingham High School
Foundation. All proceeds from the event are used to benefit students by supporting activities, the arts, and athletics at the school.

Salute to Framingham is presented by in partnership with other community sponsors.