WORCESTER—For nearly five decades, Abby’s House has served as a refuge for women in crisis—those facing homelessness, abuse, or poverty—with one guiding principle: everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
On Thursday, May 15, the Worcester nonprofit celebrates that mission with its 12th Annual Spring-Tacular, held from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Prior Performing Arts Center on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross.
This year’s theme, “Bringing Home to Everyone,” highlights Abby’s House’s deep commitment to not only sheltering women, but restoring dignity and a sense of belonging. “For the women we serve, many of whom come to us after experiencing trauma, homelessness, or instability, finding a home often means reclaiming their sense of self-worth,” Jennifer Spicer, director of development & communications, told the Worcester Guardian. “It really is more than just the physical space—it’s a sense of safety, dignity, and belonging.”
The event, presented by the Counseling & Assessment Clinic of Worcester, LLC, is Abby’s House’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s goal: raise $185,000 to support shelter operations, 79 units of supportive housing, advocacy programs, and basic needs like toiletries and transportation.
Guests are treated to food and beverage tastings from a lineup of local favorites, including Bean Counter Bakery Café, Desi Bar & Grill, Honey Banh Bakery, Peppers Artful Events, and Mia Cane. Maura Stevens, the organization’s in-house food and nutrition manager, is serving up a dish inspired by the meals she prepares weekly for residents—with fresh ingredients sourced from Farmer Matt in New Braintree. Culinary students from Worcester Technical High School’s acclaimed program also showcase their talents alongside caterers.
The evening honors longtime volunteer and board member Paula Sasso with the Annette Rafferty Award, named for the organization’s pioneering founder. Special guests expected to attend include State Senator Michael Moore, Mayor Joe Petty, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, and State Representatives Mary Keefe and Daniel Donahue—all of whom have championed Abby’s House’s mission over the years.
Spicer said this year’s event carries added significance as Abby’s House approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. “We’ve expanded in both size and scope—from a single shelter to a comprehensive housing and advocacy program,” she said. “We’ve grown more strategic, more trauma-informed. But what hasn’t changed is our core belief in the strength and potential of every woman who walks through our doors.”
She recalled a recent milestone: the reopening of the emergency shelter after major renovations that doubled capacity and added the facility’s first ADA-accessible room. One of the first women to use that room had previously been turned away due to mobility issues. “When she arrived this time, she wept—not because she had a bed, but because someone had made space for her, exactly as she is.”
That, Spicer said, is the heart of Bringing Home to Everyone—and the reason why this event matters. “Spring-Tacular ensures that we can say ‘yes’ to a woman who needs us. Every dollar raised brings us closer to making sure every woman has a safe place to land and a path forward.”
For more information or to participate in the event’s online auction, visit abbyshouse.org/spring-tacular.
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