Foundation for MetroWest celebrates youth and philanthropy
Youth philanthropy advocate Nini Meyer spoke at the Wellesley Country Club on Thursday, May 7, 2015 as keynote speaker for the Foundation for MetroWest’s second annual Spring Inspiration Breakfast – a celebration of youth and philanthropy. Nini is the energetic founder and president of the innovative organization Positive Tracks, a national, youth-centric nonprofit that empowers the next generation “to get active and give back” using the power of sport. Nini shared the inspiring story of her family’s tradition of philanthropy and the unique vision and success behind her organization. The Breakfast was co-chaired by Sudbury resident and Foundation Trustee, Patty Gannon, and her daughter Jacqueline Gannon.
At the Breakfast, Wellesley resident Ashley Kaye Bernon was honored with the Young Philanthropist Award for her spirit of volunteerism and philanthropic engagement in a wide-range of local charitable causes. Ashley will continue her work with the Foundation as Youth in Philanthropy program Ambassador for the coming year. Additionally, MetroWest youth, Erica Cagliero of Lexington and junior at Lexington High School, Lily Faucett of Weston and student at Nashoba Brooks School and Christopher Roper of Weston, student at The Meadowbrook School, were recognized for their involvement in the Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy program.
For over 15 years, the Foundation has worked closely with local youth, educating them about the importance of giving back to their community through the Youth in Philanthropy program. As one of the largest youth philanthropy programs in the country, the Foundation offers nine programs throughout the MetroWest region. Since inception, over 1,000 students have participated and awarded $800,000 to local youth serving nonprofits.
“It has been proven that engaging youth in philanthropy at an early age prepares and inspires them to lead a life of giving,” said Patty Gannon, event committee co-chair and Foundation for MetroWest trustee. “Philanthropy education for the next generation is critical to the future health of our communities. The Foundation for MetroWest plays an important role in providing that education.”
The Foundation for MetroWest will be offering its Summer Institute for Youth Leadership in June and July, and semester programs in the fall and spring. To learn more about the Foundation for MetroWest Youth in Philanthropy program and to apply, visit www.foundationformetrowest.org or call the Foundation at 508.647.2260.
L-R Jack O’Neil, Meg Ramsey, John Heerwagen, Judy Salerno, Pam Lesser of Wayland, Ashley Kaye Bernon, Jacqueline Gannon, Bob Brack, Nini Meyer, Patty Gannon, Andrea Sussman, Louis Crosier, Susan Elliott, Garry Holmes of R.W. Holmes in Wayland
About the Foundation for MetroWest
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $10 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $15 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please visit www.foundationformetrowest.org or call 508.647.2260.
