When Monsignor Joseph Alves opened the Family Counseling and Guidance Center in Framingham in 1961 he was guided by a vision of making first-rate mental health services available to all who needed them regardless of religious affiliation, ethnic background, or ability to pay. With his pastoral insight, he saw the profound but unmet need for such services. He also knew that strong community support was imperative if Family Counseling was to survive and grow over a period of years.

Fortunately, Monsignor Alves was able to find that support in a group of MetroWest business, professional and civic leaders. In 1964 the Men of the 200 was formed by these leaders. The first 200 Dinner took place in Joe Perini’s backyard with a menu including game that had been hunted and prepared by the participants. Each man attending paid $200.00, hence the group’s name.

There has been a 200 Dinner every year since. As word spread of this novel and engaging event, and the good work that it supported, the group’s membership grew steadily. No longer an elegant backyard event, the 200 Dinner became the area’s premier social attraction. Over the years, larger sites – the Carling Brewery property, Cochituate State Park, Macomber Farm, the Marist Center and currently, the New England Laborer’s Center – have housed the 200 Dinner.

In time, the Men of the 200 became simply The 200 but the core cause of supporting the Family Counseling and Guidance Center remained. In 1981, and every year since, the 200 has held a golf tournament as a way to raise additional funds. In 1995 the 200 reached a watershed when Catholic Charities decided to close the Framingham Family Counseling and Guidance Center. After much discussion, 200 board members decided not only to continue but to redouble their efforts to raise money for local charities.

Under its new name, The 200 Foundation, Inc. has flourished. In recent years, the group raised record amounts of money. As a result, The 200 Foundation has been able to increase its giving to the many local charities – food pantries, counseling centers, addiction treatment organizations, and many more-which it supports. After almost four decades The 200 Foundation continues its service to the community.

At its annual Grants Dinner each December, The 200 Foundation awards its grants. At the Dinner, grant recipients describe, in often moving fashion, how these grants have had a significant, even profound, impact on their charitable work. Among other things these grants have allowed diabetic children to experience the joys of summer camp, made otherwise unaffordable treatment available to drug dependent individuals, gave respite to families of severely disabled children, and provided food for those who would otherwise not eat.
The Board of The 200 Foundation now includes the children and grandchildren of some of its founding members, and the future looks promising for many more years of sustained help to those most in need.