Honoring a lifetime of service: Alice Cutler, 2024 L'Dor VaDor Award recipient
Alice Cutler has spent a lifetime making the world a better place. Even as a teen, she gained a sense of purpose from helping others. Her first foray into social work was as the social services chairperson of her high school, and her passion grew from there. At this year’s Raising the Roof gala on June 6, 2024, we will honor Alice for a lifetime of service.
“Alice is a role model when it comes to giving time freely to help others. Her compassion is exemplary. At 2Life, we believe that loving kindness defines us, and Alice is a perfect example,” says Amy Schectman, Saul and Gitta Kurlat Chief Executive Officer of 2Life Communities. “She has a genuine concern for the community, and her generosity of spirit makes her stand out. She inspires me!”
Early in her career, Alice was the psychologist at Brockton High School, where she helped countless young people find their paths. When her family and community responsibilities grew, she eagerly found new ways to give herself to others in need. She devoted more time to Jewish advocacy and traveled frequently to Washington, D.C., to visit congressmen. She also was one of the founders of the Miriam Fund at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP).
Remembering the compassionate care her father received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Alice knew she could help others going through the challenges of cancer treatment. So for more than 30 years, Alice has been a committed volunteer and donor to Dana-Farber. She currently serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees and goes there weekly to help out. Over the years, Alice has done a little of everything, from checking in patients, greeting visitors, and serving lunches to organizing anniversary events. Along the way, she has sparked many smiles for people going through an otherwise painful experience.
“When you volunteer, you get to know people well, and they get to know you,” says Alice. “I’ve made many friends through the years because of my volunteer work. Giving back in person is a wonderful way to connect with people, understand their needs, and be a part of the community. It shows people that you care, and they always appreciate the kindness.”
Everything Alice gets involved with reflects her generosity. Her magnificent art collection began as a way to support budding young artists. Now, she plans to donate the bulk of the collection — including many pieces that would otherwise hang in a museum — to Dana-Farber to share the beauty with patients undergoing treatment.
As a widow, Alice empathizes with seniors who live alone and sees the importance of providing older adults with a supportive community where they can age with dignity and continue to lead fulfilling, joyous lives. Alice was introduced to Golda Meir House when her mother-in-law lived there many years ago. Ever since, Alice has stayed connected to 2Life and helped spread the word about our aging in community model, most recently hosting a 2Life event for friends in her home.
When she learned about Opus, 2Life’s community-in-development serving the “forgotten middle market,” she knew it was an idea whose time had come. The Opus model, which includes all residents agreeing to volunteer in the community 10 hours each month, resonated with Alice’s life-long commitment to building a better world. She donated capital funds to support the art studio at Opus, where residents will create art that all residents, their families, staff, and visitors can appreciate.
“What struck me about Opus is it combines quality senior housing and volunteerism. Many older adults don’t have affordable housing options, and I worry about that,” explains Alice. “Opus offers people who might not be able to afford a more expensive senior living community access to the type of community they’re looking for and a way to give back.”
Having served others for most of her life, Alice enjoys sharing a message about the profound rewards and fulfillment that come with volunteering. Why not give it a try?
