On May 13, 2026, the Silver Lining Mentoring community gathered at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts for an evening that was nothing short of transformative. As one of Boston’s premier charity galas, the Match Gala is always a night of celebration, but this year felt uniquely powerful.
Together, hundreds of supporters raised vital funds to ensure that youth in foster care have access to a consistent, caring adult.
The theme of the night was simple but profound: Showing Up Matters. Throughout the evening, we heard firsthand how life-changing it is when adults choose to show up for young people—not out of obligation, but out of genuine care.
If you couldn’t join us, or if you just want to relive the magic, here are the five most unforgettable moments from the 2026 Match Gala.
Youth Voices Setting the Tone
The evening kicked off exactly where our focus always lies: with our young people. Members of our Youth Leadership and Advocacy Council (YLAC)—Alyssa, Tamara, and Janaya—took the stage to ground the room in our shared mission. They spoke about what it means to find a community where they truly belong. Their courage and vulnerability set an inspiring tone for the rest of the evening, reminding every attendee that when young people are seen, supported, and believed in, their potential is limitless. Janaya captured the essence of our mission perfectly, noting how rare it can be for youth in the system to experience unconditional support:
“…I realized that there were people out there who wanted to show up for me – just because they cared.” – Janaya, SLM Mentee
Match Gala Video: The Difference a Mentor Makes
We often say at Silver Lining Mentoring that while trauma happens in isolation, healing happens in relationship. We kicked off the evening by premiering our 2026 feature video, which beautifully captures the heart of our mission. The video highlights the profound, life-changing impact that a consistent mentor can have on a young person navigating the foster care system.
The Power of Two Award
A truly special moment of the Match Gala is the presentation of the Power of Two Award, which honors a mentoring relationship that exemplifies the consistency that changes lives. This year, we proudly celebrated mentee Ayden and his mentor, Shayne. Over their two-year match, Shayne has been a steadfast advocate through Ayden’s major life milestones, demonstrating what enduring connection looks like.
“Ayden, getting to know you over the past couple of years has been a true joy. You are an incredible person, and I am grateful that we have each other.” – Shayne
A Powerful Keynote from Alyssa
Mentee Alyssa brought the entire room to its feet, receiving a standing ovation from all attendees after delivering her incredible keynote speech. She spoke with immense strength and clarity about her personal journey navigating the foster care system and the profound difference of finally having a dedicated adult in her corner. Her words captured the absolute essence of our mission:
“I’m here tonight because someone chose to show up for me at a time when most people only showed up because they were obligated to. Silver Lining doesn’t treat us like checkboxes. They treat us like human beings with futures worth investing in.” – Alyssa
A Community Growing Impact
The energy in the Cyclorama reached new heights when Match Host Committee Co-Chairs Suzanne Lee and Matt Marcotte led the crowd in a spirited paddle raise. They reminded the room that mentoring does not happen in isolation.
“It takes a community. And this community is not just showing up. This community is growing impact.” – Matt Marcotte
How You Can Keep Showing Up
The 2026 Match Gala may be over, but our work is a year-round commitment. The true magic of this event isn’t just what happens on one special night; it is the long-term impact we create when we choose to show up consistently for youth in foster care. We invite you to turn your inspiration into a lasting commitment. There is a role for everyone in this community!
Become a Mentor
Change a life by providing consistency, guidance, and friendship to a young person in foster care.
Volunteer Your Time
Not ready to mentor? You can still make a huge impact! Volunteer for a “Learn & Earn” career panel to show our young people what your career looks like behind the scenes, or join next year’s Host Committee.
Make a Lasting Impact
Your financial support ensures that every young person who needs a mentor gets one.
