Massport sponsors community organizations and activities that bring residents together, support children and families, and help strengthen its neighboring communities through its charitable giving program.

We are thrilled to announce Massport’s $5,000 sponsorship of the 21st Annual South Boston Street Festival.  

Massport’s goal is to be a good neighbor, said Audrey Nagle, Manager, Charitable Giving Programs. “We realize our facilities and our day-to-day operations are close to these neighboring communities. So that’s something that we strive to do: give back and make a positive impact in those areas through the different programs that we offer.

  “We’ve been a proud supporter of the Street Festival for a lot of years.”

This year, especially, when the committee was looking through the requests, “it became so apparent that people have missed out on these events for the last 18 months,” she said.

 “We are honored and grateful to have Massport’s continued support of the Street Festival,” said Donna Brown, executive director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation. “It’s neighbors like this who help make the event a great success.”

The street festival’s significance is twofold. “In addition to showcasing the small business community, it’s a way for residents to come together,” said Audrey, who was born and raised in South Boston. “If you look up and down Broadway, in the last 10 years even, we’ve had such an influx of new businesses and it’s a great way for them to say ‘this is who we are and this is what we do.’ 

“You might live in the neighborhood but, especially in the last two years, you may not have even realized what’s popped up and what might be open. I always think that’s a nice thing that you can walk by and see … the people who run the businesses. That’s such a nice way for folks to get out and get to know the small business community.”

Small businesses have been some of the hardest-hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Audrey said. “So to get out there and support them, I think is so important, and that’s why this is always such a great and well-attended event.” 

 The festival also allows residents to make connections. “There’s something for everybody to do, young and old. Especially in the community of South Boston that’s ever-changing, it’s a chance for folks to get out and come together.”

 Audrey has seen the way South Boston has changed over the years. “It’s an attractive place for people to come, young people … you see a lot of people coming and raising their families here now, which is awesome. [The Street Festival] is a way to get to know your small business community but also your neighbors and people you might not have a chance to connect with otherwise, which I think is wonderful.”

The Street Festival annually presents the Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award, named after the long-time Massport director of government and community affairs who passed away in 2011. “It’s such a testament to the person Tommy was,” Audrey said about the award, noting Massport also has a scholarship in his name. 

“He was always supporting the South Boston community any way he could, whether it was through his role at Massport or through the many different civic activities that he was a part of. I think it’s great; it’s such a nice way to keep his memory alive and to remember him.”