Saturday: Jammin’ for Jimmy time at Florian will fund UMass scholarship for Dot students

Jimmy Cawley: Dot native died in 2015

Jimmy Cawley loved music and he was devoted to his community.

So it’s fitting that a Feb. 10 party in his name will feature live music inspired by one his all-time favorite groups — The Beatles. Proceeds from the Florian Hall event will go to the James P. “Jimmy” Cawley Scholarship at UMass Boston, which has been set up by his friends, colleagues and family since his unexpected death in June 2015.

The Jammin’ for Jimmy fundraising event will include a performance by chamber rock ensemble, the Boston ILL Harmonic, who will play the complete Revolver album, followed by live band Beatles karaoke.

Jimmy’s widow, Elisa Birdseye, says that the goal is to raise $25,000 for the scholarship fund, which will be awarded to a student from Dorchester. The first Jimmy Cawley scholar, graduating senior Renata Teodoro, was awarded her scholarship in 2017.

“My expectation is that everyone gets together and has a fabulous time and thinks of Jimmy, and as much money as we can raise, that’s great,” said Birdseye. “At one point, well before Jimmy was sick, he said, ‘You know, if anything every happens to me, my family is going to look after you.’ And not only have they made me part of their family, but they gave me a community. It just makes me want to give back to that as much as possible.”

Cawley was a devoted civic leader and Dorchester native who found his calling by helping disabled adults find employment through the Dorchester-based WORK, Inc. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Boston Globe and was active in a number of political campaigns, including the 2013 election of Mayor Walsh.

Birdseye and event committee are asking friends and local businesses to consider being a sponsor for the event for a small donation of $100. All of the funds raised will benefit the scholarship. Donors will be recognized on the back of t-shirts being sold at the event as well in the program and on the website in development for the scholarship fund.

Jammin’ for Jimmy will be held at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St. from 7-10:30 p.m. on Sat., Feb 10 General admission is $10 at the door. Raffle prizes, hors d’ouevres, cash bar, and a cash drawing will be included.

To donate to the scholarship fund, visit alumni.umb.edu/cawleyscholarship. Checks payable to the “Jimmy Cawley Scholarship Fund” can be mailed to 6 Summer St, Hyde Park, MA 02136. To be recognized on the t-shirts being sold at the event, funds must be received by Feb. 1, 2018.

For additional information on the event or the scholarship, please call Elisa at 617-953-5453.


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