From Classrooms to Concert Halls: A Year of Community Impact
Special to the Transcript
Year after year, the Winthrop Foundation continues to be dedicated to our wonderful community by investing in the people, programs, and places that connect and inspire us. From enhancing our beautiful parks and sports fields, welcoming live orchestral music, providing scholarships for graduating seniors, and so much more, the Foundation’s grantmaking reflects a strong belief in our community.
With $238,000 in grants awarded in FY25 and more than $800,000 given in grants since our founding its 2019, the Winthrop Foundation remains dedicated to building a vibrant and connected community for generations to come.
Under the leadership of Chairman Russ Sanford and the guidance of Secretary Vinny Crossman, Treasurer Brian Leslie and Trustees Chrissy D’Ambrosio, Terry Delehanty, Vasili Mallios and Gus Martucci, the Winthrop Foundation advances its mission with integrity and commitment to our community. “In a very big world we have the opportunity to fund groups and organizations that revolve around ‘our world, in our town’, says Chairman Sanford. “Working with this group of Trustees with the same philosophy and drive has been nothing but gratifying.”
Last November, the Foundation proudly served as Platinum Sponsor of the annual holiday tree lighting and festivities, a resounding success that brought winter cheer to our community. Other recent grants include:
• Funding to upgrade Ingleside Park and Fort Banks Field, ensuring quality practice and game-day space for our sports teams while preserving broad community access and use.
• A grant to the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra to present a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly concert last fall in our town.
• Support for the Winthrop Farmers Market to expand live music and family activities, enhancing the vibrant offerings of local farmers and vendors.
• Providing “HUDL” hardware and software to Winthrop High School to livestream games from the gym and Miller Field press box, and a portable camera for coverage at Larsen Rink and the baseball and softball fields.
• Funding for the WHS Robotics Club to design, build, and program a robot to participate in the annual regional robotics competition.
• Sponsoring the annual Community Health Forum, organized by the Winthrop DPH to provide our residents with valuable health information and resources.
• Six scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at Winthrop High School and Winthrop seniors at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School (The Voke), as they pursue further education and careers in the skilled trades.
• Support for the Hockey Boosters program.
• Funding for “I Heart Winthrop”, a community event organized by the Winthrop Business Leadership Council.
• Support for the Police Explorers’ Toys for Tots holiday program.
Founded under the leadership of former Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, the Winthrop Foundation continues to be supported under the watchful eye of State Representative Jeffrey Turco. Funded through a generous appropriation from the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to help address the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of Logan Airport, the Winthrop Foundation welcomes grant applications from nonprofits, public-serving entities, and volunteer groups that meaningfully benefit our town. To learn more visit www.winthropfoundation.us. A special thanks to Betsy Rueda Gynn, Administrator of the Winthrop Foundation.