2025 Good Apple Award Reception Announcement

Honoring James Parker, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Boston Celtics

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is rooted in the belief that all residents deserve access to equal rights and opportunities. Each year, we gather to celebrate the individuals and organizations working to make that vision a reality. 

Save the date and celebrate the good with us!  

Please join us for MA Appleseed’s 2025 Good Apple Award Reception on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM.  

This year’s event will honor James Parker, SVP and General Counsel of the Boston Celtics, with the 2025 Good Apple Award for his excellence in legal leadership and commitment to public service. Beyond his role with the Celtics, Parker has made a strong impact in the legal community through his service as a trustee of the Boston Bar Foundation and his leadership for the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation’s “Boston Celtics United for Social Justice” initiative. As a lead for the initiative’s Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement pillar, he has advanced key social justice efforts, including advocating for the “Raise the Age” bill, which would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to be tried as juveniles instead of adults for certain crimes and help lower recidivism and re-conviction.

And, for the first time ever in the event’s history, MA Appleseed will also present two inaugural awards to those who personify a commitment to equity, fairness, and social justice. The Pro Bono Award will be presented to Ropes & Gray, in recognition of their longstanding dedication to providing pro bono legal services to underserved communities, including most recently working with Massachusetts Appleseed to help youth experiencing homelessness to understand their legal rights. The Community Leadership Award will be presented to Ursula Furi-Perry, for her passionate advocacy for youth experiencing homelessness and efforts to expand their legal rights and protections.  

If you are interested in purchasing tickets or exploring sponsorship opportunities, visit our registration website or contact Toni Troop at toni@massappleseed.org or 617-212-7571.