On August 7, NEADS staff joined Boston Duck Tours and others to mark a double celebration: CEO Cindy Brown’s 30th anniversary with the company and the Boston Duck Tour’s 30th year in operation.
In addition to Cindy and the Boston Duck Tours staff, attendees included NEADS staff members and NEADS Service Dog Ambassador Verna; MA Representative Jay Livingstone; Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan; Segun Idowu, Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion; and Amy Yandle, Deputy Director of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment for the City of Boston.
The event was fittingly held on a Duck Boat.
Cindy was honored with citations from the Office of Governor Healey, the Office of Mayor Wu, State Representatives, and members of the Boston City Council. August 7, 2024 was declared “Cindy Brown Day” in both the state and the city. NEADS Creative Media Specialist, Lori Barrett, presented Cindy with a lovely watercolor of a duck boat crossing the Charles on behalf of NEADS.
Expressing her gratitude, Cindy remarked, “I’m doing what I love to do, and I’ve been able to do it for 30 years. That’s a gift.”
Since 1994, Boston Duck Tours’ iconic duck boats have been a familiar sight as they traverse historic streets and splash into the Charles River. What may not be as well-known is the organization’s deep commitment to giving back to the community.
“One of the proudest things for me is all that we’ve given – over $1 million – to so many great causes – veterans, clean water, and education,” Cindy shared.
In addition to supporting NEADS and its Service Dogs for Veterans program since 2012, Boston Duck Tours has contributed to organizations such as The Charles River Watershed Association, Charles River Clean Up Boat, Community Boating, The Bostonian Society, and The First Corps of Cadets Museum.
