Without Frank McCourt, the South Boston Neighborhood House’s longtime home on H Street might not exist.
McCourt, a civic-minded builder and executive chairman of McCourt Global, a family-run company spanning real estate, infrastructure, sports, tech, and media, will receive the Joseph “Dodo” Nee Award at Ollie’s annual gala, The House is Where the Heart is, on March 20th. The award recognizes his decades of dedication to the Neighborhood House and the South Boston community.
“Frank has always been a champion of our work and has left a lasting legacy. Honoring him at our 125th Anniversary Gala is not only fitting, but it’s also a tribute to his years of leadership and support. And we know that Dodo would approve. He and Frank shared a wonderful relationship grounded in deep mutual respect and admiration,” said Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood House.
Giving back has always been central to McCourt’s mission. He carries on a 130+ year family legacy that began in Boston in 1893 — blending business success with a deep commitment to strengthening the communities he’s part of. From 1988 to 2004, McCourt served on the Ollie’s Board of Directors and, from 1992 to 2004, served as Board Chair/President. During that time, the organization’s current home at 136 H Street became a reality.
“At the time, the organization was bursting at the seams and expanding its programming. Seniors needed their own space, and what started as a senior center eventually became the home of the Ollie,” McCourt said. “We intentionally built a building larger than we needed because we knew more programs would come. Over time, everything moved into that space, and it’s worked out very well. It’s a great location, it even has parking, which is rare in South Boston. I’m proud to have been part of that project.”
The building’s construction even included an old-fashioned “neighborhood house raising,” where community members gathered to watch the structure go up over the course of a weekend — similar to a barn raising.
“It was a very powerful moment for the community,” McCourt recalled.
Community Starts at the Foundation
McCourt credits his parents with instilling in him a strong sense of community and service.
“I grew up in Watertown and often visited construction sites with my father. He was deeply involved with the laborers’ union and believed strongly in taking care of working families,” he said. “He wanted me to understand that everyone deserves access to the same opportunities and support. That was a powerful lesson about giving back.”
Though he grew up outside the neighborhood, McCourt says South Boston welcomed him with open arms and reinforced the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
“That’s always been the strength of South Boston. People take care of each other,” he said. “With new development and new residents, you wonder if that culture will change, but I think it’s strong enough that newcomers adapt to it. Many people move here and become deeply invested in the community. That spirit is essential and worth protecting.”
McCourt played a key role in launching the South Boston Association of Nonprofits — a coalition of more than 30 organizations — in response to the tragic rise in teen overdoses and suicides in the 1990s. The goal was simple yet powerful: work together to create real change and build a healthier community. During that difficult time, the Ollie remained around the clock, offering support and a safe place for neighbors in need.
“Our doors were open 24/7 so people had somewhere to go,” he said. “We created the South Boston Association of NonProfits to help organizations work together. That organization still exists today, which I’m very proud of.”
McCourt worked closely with Joe Nee for years, making this recognition especially meaningful.
“My dad retired from the fire department and went to work with Frank. Hiring my dad cost Frank a lot of money because my father had Frank donate to so many charities and nonprofits, and Frank never said no,” joked Brian Nee.
“Every year, we present this award, and I am grateful that the Neighborhood House allows us to have input on who receives it. We are truly grateful that Frank accepted the Joseph Nee Champion Award. Honoring Frank at our 125th Anniversary Gala feels especially fitting and well deserved,” added Nee.
McCourt will return to Boston in March to accept the award. When asked if he’s looking forward to being back in his old stomping grounds, including South Boston and the Seaport, which he helped transform from parking lots into the vibrant neighborhood it is today, his answer was immediate.
“Absolutely. This may be one of my favorite awards I’ve ever received because it’s so personal,” he said. “I’m very touched by it and honored to stay connected to the Neighborhood House and the community. I’m really looking forward to being there.”
While he’s in town, he’s also planning to stop at one of his favorite neighborhood spots: Annie’s Bakery.
“I love their pastries,” he said. “One of the owners is a huge Marseille football fan, the club we own. I went in once and he loved my jacket, so I took it off and gave it to him.”
Another small, simple example of McCourt’s generosity.
If you’d like to show your support for McCourt and the South Boston Neighborhood House, you can purchase gala tickets now. The celebration kicks off at 6 pm at the Thomas Menino Convention Center and will feature a cocktail hour, live music by Dennis Taylor, a live auction, and more, all in honor of a leader whose impact on Ollie and the neighborhood will be felt for generations
Can’t make it to the event? Purchase a Golden Ticket to win a trip or make a donation here!
