Robert Cashman, president and CEO of Metro Credit Union, has announced that Metro Credit Union will be hosting Still She Rises, a celebration of life and fundraiser for local domestic violence prevention organizations. The event will coincide with the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The fundraiser, set for Oct. 3 at the Holiday Inn, Somerville, will honor Ersilia Cataldo Matarazzo, a beloved member of the community and a 20-year employee of Metro Credit Union whose life was tragically cut short as a result of domestic violence in December, 2018.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley will deliver the keynote address.
Cashman spoke about Ersilia’s career at Metro, her contributions to her community and the event being held in her honor during an interview Tuesday at Metro headquarters in Chelsea.
“We had the opportunity at Metro to enjoy Ersilia for over 20 years in her work in our operations department,” said Cashman. “Though she worked in the inner offices, what was important was that she supported the rest of the organization. That infrastructure has allowed us to be successful and Ersilia always made sure that whatever anyone needed was available to be able to do the job the best they could.”
Cashman said Ersilia’a warm personality and friendly smile brought joy to her fellow employees.
“While walking through the building and delivering supplies and materials, Ersilia had the opportunity to engage people and she was always happy and had a smile,” recalled Cashman.
Cashman said when we often speak with her, “the first thing she would talk about would be her family. She was very proud of her children and all of their accomplishments. It gave her a lot of joy to tell people how successful her children were.”
Cashman said people enjoyed being in Ersilia’s company.
“She was so pleasant and people really enjoyed being with her and spending time with her,” related Cashman. “Having this opportunity to have this event in her honor is great, but it does bring to the spotlight the unfortunate situation around domestic violence. This opportunity to have an event that memorializes Ersilia for all the great work she did – we’re proud to be part of this event for such an important cause.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit HarborCOV, Portal to Hope, and the Ersilia Matarazzo Fund by Kiwanis. These organizations, based in Chelsea and Everett, provide comprehensive services to people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence.
“According to the CDC, one in three women and one in four men will be victims of intimate partner violence in their lifetime,” said Charlene Bauer, Metro;s SVP Outreach, Advocacy and Chief Development Officer. “Celia was a wonderful co-worker and generous friend who was dedicated to her community and family. The tragic loss of her life had a profound impact on us all, and Metro is proud to be celebrating her legacy while supporting crucial organizations who stand up to domestic violence every day.”
Individual tickets are $75 and include dinner, a keynote address by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, remarks by additional speakers, a silent auction, and a cash bar. Tickets, sponsorships, and donations are available at: https://bit/ly/2IBVzzV.