HISTORIC ISAIAH THOMAS AWARD RETURNS
In every community there are people who unselfishly devote their time and energies to the benefit of others. They do this without expecting reward or acknowledgment, only hoping that their efforts may help to build a better community and greater opportunities for all residents. Isaiah Thomas was a man of many firsts, he established Worcester’s first newspaper and its first bank, he was Worcester’s first postmaster and first honorary judge. Isaiah Thomas dedicated much of his life to improving his city and his country as Worcester’s “first great citizen.” Such personal sacrifices and accomplishments merit sincere recognition. The Isaiah Thomas Award provides an opportunity for our community to express appreciation for “distinguished community service.

Tickets

General Admission Ticket
|$250|
Purchase Here

Sponsorship Reserved Seating 
| Bronze: $1000 | Silver: $2500 | Gold: $5000 |
All sponsorships must be secured through the Mechanics Hall Box Office.

Call Jessica in the Mechanics Hall Box Office at 508-752-5608,
 e-mail JBode@mechanicshall.org
or fill out the following form:

2024 Isaiah Thomas Award Honoree

J. CHRISTOPHER COLLINS

Chris is Of Counsel at Mirick O’Connell, where he began in 2015 as a member of the Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Litigation
Group. He is known both in central Massachusetts and nationally for his expertise in life, health and disability insurance matters. Prior to his current position, Chris served over 30 years with Unum Group and its predecessor companies. While at Unum, he became senior vice president and general counsel at Unum US, the largest provider of group and individual disability insurance in the U.S. Chris is very active in the Worcester Community. He has served on numerous Boards for non-profits in Worcester. He was the Chair of the Nativity School for six years and was a member of its Board for nine; he has been Council Member and corporator for the American Antiquarian Society; he served as Chair of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and has been a Board member as well; he served as a past Trustee, President, Trustee Emeritus, Salisbury Society member & Co-Chair, for the Worcester Art Museum; Chris has served as the Campaign Chair for the United Way of Central Massachusetts and on the UW’s Alexis De Tocqueville Society; he has been a Board member and Board President of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts; he has been the Campaign Chair for ArtsWorcester’s Framing the Future Capital Campaign; he has also been a member of the College of the Holy Cross’ Board of Trustees, Presidents Council, and Chair of the Class of 1980. As a leader in Worcester-area not-for-profits, he has received numerous accolades from the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, March of Dimes, Boy Scouts of America, United Way, the Nativity School, and more.