Cummings Foundation founders, Bill and Joyce Cummings, inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians during Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting

Woburn, MA Cummings Foundation founders Bill and Joyce Cummings were inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians during Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on May 8. One of the largest gatherings of the area’s business community, the event drew more than 1,600 attendees.

Bill Cummings also founded Woburn-based commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties, which operates a suburban portfolio that has grown to more than 10 million s/f.

With the theme “ROI: Return on Influence,” the award ceremony celebrated individuals who have invested their time, talents, and influence to build a stronger region. The other honorees were Sandra and Paul Edgerley, trustees of Edgerley Family Foundation, which provides significant  funding to Mass. organizations focused on education and opportunities for youth; and Carol Fulp, president and CEO of The Partnership, former high-level executive at John Hancock Financial, and a board member of numerous local nonprofits.

“Our 2017 Distinguished Bostonians are all highly regarded Greater Boston business leaders who have influenced positive change, improved lives, and made a tremendous difference throughout our region, and the return has been immeasurable,” said James Rooney, president & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber.

The inductees join an accomplished group of academy members, including business leaders, philanthropists, local and national elected officials, cultural dignitaries, and sports greats. Past honorees include senator Edward Kennedy, Bill Russell, Seiji Ozawa, Julia Child, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Red Auerbach.

“It’s very hard to find people more philanthropic than Joyce and Bill are,” said governor Charlie Baker, one of the evening’s speakers.

With assets exceeding $1.4 billion, Cummings Foundation is one of the largest foundations in New England. The Woburn-based organization has awarded more than $160 million in grants to Greater Boston nonprofits and will announce an additional $10 million in funding next month through its annual “$100K for 100” grant program.

In 2011, the Cummings became the first Massachusetts couple to sign The Giving Pledge, a national philanthropic organization founded by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet, through which the world’s wealthiest individuals and families make a commitment to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

Just hours before the award ceremony, the Cummings also participated in a live interview on Bloomberg Radio Network, answering questions about their philanthropy and their relatively modest lifestyle.

“You may not have a private plane, but you definitely have a moral compass, which I think is really really needed in today’s society,” said Bloomberg Markets co-host Carol Massar during the interview.