Residents Honored at Roy London Humanitarian Award Ceremony [PHOTOS]

Each year, a group of residents in Westwood are selected by a committee and awarded for their contribution to the town and community. 

The Roy London Humanitarian Award Ceremony, now in its third year, was held at the on Clapboardtree Street Thursday night, when an impressively-large number of residents gathered. 

Recipients of this year's award included Ken Foscaldo, The Oullette Family and the Westwood Community Chest. 

"They make Westwood a better place every day just by their actions and their deeds," said Pat Ahearn, Chair of the Westwood Board of Selectmen, who hosted the ceremony on Thursday.

Rabbi Henry Roob of also gave a brief speech on Roy London, recalling an incident 40 years ago when the temple had just formed. At the time of Rosh Hashanah, Roy London erected a sign by the First Parish of Westwood, wishing the temple a happy new year. 

"He sought no recognition in having brought that symbol of Christian friendship," Roob said.

Ken Foscaldo

Foscaldo was recognized for his contribution over the years at , the Westwood Recreation Commission, as well as being a member of the founding board of the Westwood Educational Foundation.

More specifically, he was commended for his work with Westwood's CYO basketball program; Selectmen Clerk Nancy Hyde read a letter written by Russ Travers, from one of Foscaldo's former players, in which he expressed his gratitude for the coaching and skills he received. 

"You get as much out of it as you put into it," Foscaldo said in regards to his contributions. 

The Oulette Family

The Oullette Family was recognized for fostering an annual Halloween drive nearly eight years ago. The drive begun when Kyle and Gabrielle Oullette were stunned to learn there were some children in the Commonwealth who could not afford to buy a costume for Halloween. As such they began donating their costumes, and what started with a collection of 25 donations grew over the course of eight years to close to 8,000 donations. 

"It's been really fun to see us grow, this drive grow and to know we're helping other kinds in need," Kyle said upon receiving the award. 

As part of the drive, Kyle managed the boys costumes, while Gabrielle managed the girls costumes, and youngest sister Bianca managed baby costumes and candy. 

Westwood Community Chest

Also recognized Thursday was the Westwood Community Chest for its continued commitment to the idea of "neighbors helping neighbors." The group helps residents and families facing financial trouble by awarding funds towards medical expenses, utility payments and housing payments. 

In November 2011, WCC partnered with as part of a campaign, which will continue with this year.

"We're blessed to have our neighbors contribute to us," said WCC's Alice Moore upon receiving the award Thursday. "There are real people in real need here."

 included Glad Rags Thrift Shop, Meghan Licameli and resident Chester Ansley Smith.