Ellis Social Spotlights

This spring, the Ellis community came together for two signature celebrations: the Spring Social at 66 Berkeley Street and a community gathering at The Haven in Jamaica Plain.

Ellis Educator Sarah Bukhari shares a powerful reminder at the Spring Social: the future begins in early childhood classrooms, where educators shape the success of the next generation.

Honoring Educators and Impact at the Ellis Spring Social 

Ellis friends gathered for the Ellis Early Learning Spring Social on April 30. Ellis’s signature cocktail party brings together families, partners, and supporters from across Greater Boston to celebrate the organization’s impact on children and families, raise essential support for its programs, and usher in a new season of hope after a long winter. The room felt undeniably festive, with springtime décor popping against the gray afternoon, and colorful tablecloths, florals, and playful BlowPop arrangements filled the space.

Spring Social Co-Chairs and Ellis Trustees Ashley White and Brendan Fogarty opened the evening with welcome remarks. They reflected on the challenging early education funding landscape and shared how Ellis’s commitment to equitable, accessible care for all children inspired them to get involved.

Sarah Bukhari, an Ellis educator, followed with a story from home. While practicing her remarks for the event just the night before with her teenage son Hadi, she began with, “My name is Sarah, and I’m an educator at Ellis.” Her son interrupted to ask, “Mom, do you ever wish you were a real educator?” His question suggested that early childhood educators aren’t “real” teachers. With humor and grace, Sarah explained not only why she is a real educator, but also how her role extends far beyond traditional teaching. Early childhood educators are coaches, emotional regulators, dancers, musicians, negotiators — and that’s all before lunchtime.

Her son’s response? “Chill out. It’s not that deep.” Sarah’s answer was simple: it is that deep. While an honest mistake from a teen, the misconception that early childhood educators are “just babysitters” persists among adults, too. As Sarah reminded the room, science tells us the earliest years matter most: 90% of brain development happens between birth and age five, and access to high-quality early learning sets children up for lifelong success. Early childhood educators make that possible.

The Spring Social is one of Ellis’s largest fundraising events, helping to sustain this critical work. Sarah’s story was a powerful reminder of why Ellis exists and why this work matters so deeply. We are grateful to our educators, our families, and everyone who makes the Ellis community possible.