Sally Ann McGee D’Aquila & Salvatore D’Aquila, Jr. Fund
Sally would always say … “you don’t need to be a “Warren Buffet” to make a real difference in someone’s life – working together, pooling our resources, and sharing ideas – can maximize the impact today and tomorrow.”
Sally D’Aquila had a passion for and dedication to her community and was well-known for championing causes close to her heart, particularly those that highlighted our local history, preserved and enhanced our natural spaces and gardens, and helping empower women and girls. Her passion is a daily reminder for all of us about how we can accomplish great things and address critical needs through partnership and philanthropy.
Sally began exploring ways she and Sal and their family could learn more about the needs in the community and, with others, help do more to support organizations providing essential services and programs. After discussing her goals and dreams with CFMC, she decided to create a Donor Advised Fund in her and her husband’s name through the Community Foundation. Our staff worked directly with Sally, providing personal guidance and information on community needs and programs aligned with her areas of interest, and ensuring grants made from the fund are targeted for immediate impact and do the maximum good.
Over the years the Sally Ann McGee D’Aquila and Salvatore D’Aquila Fund has supported initiatives at the Old Saybrook Historical Society, the Middlesex County Historical Society, and Middlesex Hospital, and has helped fund Parkinson’s research and community tree plantings. Contributions have also been made to the CFMC Fund for Women and Girls, which provides assistance and self-empowerment programs for women and girls, a cause that Sally’s mother was deeply involved with. The D’Aquila Fund has also helped seed the development of a documentary film on the contributions of the James family of Old Saybrook, including Anna Louise James, who was the first African-American female pharmacist in the state; and noted Old Saybrook resident Ann Petry, who was the first African-American author to sell over one million books. Sally was most passionate about programs that foster diversity and develop self-confidence and self-reliance for those facing adversity. She was thrilled and proud to be connected to programs like the James family history project and the CFMC Fund for Women and Girls.
The Community Foundation’s partnership with the D’Aquilas is just one example of how living local and giving local can make a real difference in all of our lives. Together, with passion and compassion, we are building better communities for today and tomorrow.