April 16 marked the beginning of an unexpected and unprecedented community service project for John Hancock Financial Services Inc. general counsel James Gallagher.

Gallagher worked with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino; Michael Sheehan, the chairman of marketing agency Hill Holliday; and others to establish One Fund Boston the day after the Boston Marathon bombings to help the victims. John Hancock made a $1 million donation that served as the cornerstone contribution to the effort.