Every year, ABCD throws a gala event at the Marriot Boston Copley Place to honor the volunteers who make their communities better places to live.

The keynote speaker of the 2008 Community Awards Dinner was Dr. Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University.

World Champion Boston Celtics head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers provided a video tribute to the volunteer award recipients. FOX25 morning show news anchor Anqunette Jamison served as emcee for the dinner.