Special to the Transcript
The Winthrop Foundation was founded in 2019 with a mission to fund local charitable projects that benefit our town. Since that time, the Foundation has provided over $400,000 in grants to local nonprofits, volunteer initiatives, student groups and public-serving entities throughout the town. Led by Chairman Russ Sanford, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has funded many impactful projects, small and large, that the people of our town can be proud of. “As Chairman of the Winthrop Foundation, it’s my honor and privilege to work along with the trustees to distribute this funding to help all of the common causes that we all feel are important in the town of Winthropâ€:
• MiAmore, for emergency food for our neediest residents during the onset of Covid
• CASA, to support our youth’s mental health
• WHS, for alternative senior graduation events when Covid prevented in-person graduation
• WMS, for its summer book program
• For Kids Only, for Covid prevention supplies
• Small grants to local establishments during the height of Covid, to help keep their doors open
• Banners to honor our “Hometown Health Heroes†including Meredith Hurley at the DPH and five volunteer nurses and health workers who helped keep our town healthy and safe
• Winthrop Public Library software for virtual programming
• The Winthrop Dog Park
• PTO “Hope for the Holidays†gift cards for needy families
• Winthrop Little League batting cage, fence and field repairs
• Crest Avenue holiday lighting
• WHS Robotics Team to create a robot to complete in the 2022-23 international competition
• Winthrop Loves Trees (Tree Winthrop/GROW), planting trees and greenery throughout town
• Support to the families of David Green and Ramona Cooper, whose lives ended too quickly
• Trade Scholarships to WHS graduating seniors
• WHS baseball field renovations
• Winthrop Youth Hockey for a 12-week skill building program
• Funding to create pickleball courts at Coughlin Park
• Walden St. basketball court repair work
• Winthrop Youth Cheer replacement mats
• Holiday Festivities in November 2022, bringing back a wonderful town tradition
A Word of Thanks. The Winthrop Foundation would not exist if it were not for former House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who was essential in the formation of the Foundation a few years ago. The grants provided would not be possible without the generous and sustained funding of Massport, for which the Foundation is very grateful, with special thanks to Mike Vatalaro, Massport Manager of State and Community Relations who has helped bridge the relationship between the Foundation and Massport. The board of directors carries the Foundation’s work led by Chairman Russ Sanford, Treasurer Brian Leslie, Secretary Vinny Crossman and directors Chrissy d’Ambrosio, Terence Delehanty, Vasili Mallios and Gus Martucci. Thanks go to the public officials who oversee the board: State Senator Lydia Edwards, State House Representative Jeffrey Turco, Town Manager Tony Marino, Town Council President Jim Letterie and Superintendent Lisa Howard.
Gratefully Looking Ahead. The Holiday Festivities event in November revived a treasured town tradition, with the annual tree lighting and a host of wonderful festivities the day after Thanksgiving enjoyed by dozens of families. Winthrop Foundation was proud to support that event and celebrate 2022 and all the good that’s been accomplished by the people of Winthrop. And now… we look ahead, upward and onward, and strive to make 2023 even better.
To apply for a grant from Winthrop Foundation visit www.winthropfoundation.us. We welcome nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, and public serving entities with proposals that will make a meaningful impact and strengthen our town.