Article Body:
The hall was filled with merriment; it was a day of celebration and a fa-la-la moment. Nearly 450 Friends of St. Nick attended the 24th annual charity luncheon held December 11, at the Four Points Sheraton, to honor Eddie ‘Buffalo’ Hickey as their Person of the Year. The event also raised funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
The Friends of St. Nick was founded by Bob Dempsey, in 1992, with the dual purpose of honoring those people who have served the town of Norwood well by their efforts, while at the same time raising funds to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way, so donating to an organization that helps cancer patients was an easy choice,” Dempsey said. “To date, the Friends of St. Nick has donated just short of one-half million dollars to Dana Farber.”
According to Martin Sansone, a member of the Friends board of directors,
“The Friends board members look for people in the community who are the unsung heroes…people who donate their time, energy, talent and heart to what they do…people who don’t look for the spotlight,” Sansone said. “Board members submit nominations for people or organizations who fit the criteria, present rationale for the nomination, and then the board votes.”
He said the vote for Hickey was unanimous.
So who is Eddie Hickey and why was he selected? Described as a ‘townie through and through,’ Hickey’s parents moved to Norwood when he was five years old. He attended Norwood public schools and graduated from Norwood High School (NHS) in 1972. He went on to attend Brandeis University, and graduate in 1976.
While at NHS, Hickey was a member of the Mustang football, basketball and baseball teams. It is there he was given the nickname ‘Buffalo’ by his basketball coach, Ken Nolette.
“I wasn’t too graceful on the basketball court,” Hickey said. “Coach said I sounded like a buffalo running up and down the court. The name stuck!”
Hickey’s involvement with sports is what earned him the Friends award. Called ‘the ultimate team player,’ Hickey is credited as the driving force behind several groups established to support Norwood sports teams. He was a co-founder of the Norwood High Gridiron Club in 1990, which has given nearly $400,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors through its pre-game and post-season functions. He is also involved with the Norwood Diamond Club, which was formed to support Mustang baseball.
In a short video clip made for the occasion, a number of Hickey’s long time friends and associates sent messages of congratulations; several friends took the microphone and spoke to his accomplishments and personality. One friend described him as “stubborn, late, generous, kind, unselfish, gentle, dependable, and never at a loss for words.”
No matter who spoke, the consistent theme was that Eddie Hickey never looks to take credit for his good deeds, but rather is content to work behind the scenes for every worthwhile cause.
Friends board member John Walsh presented Hickey with a life-sized poster.
“For his unwavering support to the town he loves, The Friends of St. Nick are proud to honor Eddie Hickey as our Person of the Year,” Walsh said.
In his acceptance speech, Hickey honored those close to him.
“My mom was involved in Campfire Girls, the United Way, Ladies Sodality and other organizations,” Hickey said. “She set the example that we should give back to our community. But I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for my wife Sharon who tended the children and our home enabling me to be involved in the sports organizations that I love in this town that I love. There’s no place like Norwood.”
Asked how he felt about receiving the Person of the Year award, Hickey said:
“I’m proud but humbled, and I’m happy that the organizations I’ve worked with were recognized today,” Hickey said. “I don’t consider myself special. It’s not about me. They could get 500 people here for anyone. Each of us tries to make Norwood better in our own way. We can’t cure cancer, but we can make things better for the kids of Norwood.”
So, how do you become a Friend of St. Nick? The membership requirements are simple. Join them every year as they pay tribute to those people who have contributed to the town of Norwood. Raise a glass, sing a song, or just lend a hand as they celebrate the season while supporting the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Donna Lane is a Norwood-based writer, lecturer and designer. You can reach her at addictedgardener@verizon.net.