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... thanks to the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
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Last month Eastern Bank presented the Melrose Friends of the Aging with a $2,500 check (see story below). Pictured (L-R) Robert Rivers, President, Eastern Bank, Jim Driscoll, Rick Mockler and Elizabeth O’Hara, Regional Manager, Eastern Bank. Following the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s recent $2,500 donation, the Melrose Friends of the Aging, Inc. announced the creation of the Jim Driscoll Endowment Fund to maintain and enhance the Milano Senior Center for future generations. Friends of the Aging President, Rita Quinn Dietrich, remarked, “Creating an endowment fund for the Center has long been a goal. I am especially pleased that its name recognizes the tremendous, longtime efforts of our principal fund-raiser and Council on Aging board member Jim Driscoll. Through his remarkable efforts and abilities, we raised over $350,000 to create the Center in 1994 and over $200,000 in 2005 to finish the job by converting its basement into the beautiful carriage house lounge.” Reprinted with permission from the January issue of Looking Ahead Four unsolicited major contributions in the past year – two of $5,000, one of $10,000, and a $2,000 bequest from a former Milano Senior Center participant – provided the opportunity to create the endowment fund. One of the donors included the following comments with the gift: “Melrose is very fortunate to have this beautiful Center established on behalf of its senior citizens. I recognize that at least some of the upkeep expenses must come from the community and I would like to make this donation towards future needs.” The fund’s principal fund-raiser, COA Board member Rick Mockler, reports, “The total amount raised to date with the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s gift and a just-received anonymous donation of $1,000 is $26,000. Our hope is that the endowment fund will reach $100,000 or perhaps more. Once the fund reaches $50,000, interest earned can be available for expenses and improvements that are beyond the scope or ability of the city to afford.” It is not the intention of the Friends of the Aging to have an ambitious formal fund-raising effort for this endowment. However, quiet fund-raising efforts will continue, an informative brochure will be created, and announcements about progress will be made from time to time. The Melrose Friends of the Aging will appreciate any comments or suggestions that you may have as loyal users or supporters of this wonderful facility. Please direct your comments to Rick Mockler c/o Milano Senior Center, 201 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176. Reprinted with permission from the January issue of Looking Ahead. January 2, 2009
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