Coffee, Cats, and Conviction… Wrapped Up In Compassion and Brotherly Love We at the Community Foundation are always amazed (well, not really) by the many people we meet who, quite frankly, just CARE. At the Community Foundation of Middlesex County we only know good people who care about family, neighbors, and COMMUNITY. People who go out of their way to help others and to spread kindness, not only to their two-legged friends, but also to our purr-fect four-legged ones. Enter Mark Thiede, best known far and wide as the proprietor of the famous Two Wrasslin’ Cats Café. Not only is…
DonateCelebrate your love of camps and Middlesex County by supporting camperships at our more than twenty-five (25) camps serving youth in our 15 towns. From Park & Rec camps to YMCA camps to arts camps and so much more, there is a camp for every favorite pastime and passion.
DonateHelping Neurodiverse Young Adults Achieve their Dreams Alexandra Dilger lived a rich and fulfilling life despite personal challenges with depression and anxiety. She was witty, determined to succeed, and driven to achieve greater independence. Part of her vision was to get a job where she could excel … enter A Little Compassion. Alexandra was one of the first participants in the programs offered by A Little Compassion/The Nest, a nonprofit organization which provided authentic and enriching employment and social opportunities for neurodiverse young adults. Everyone loved being around Alexandra and her parents, Gale and Patrick, wanted to create a meaningful…
DonateThe Deep River Cares Fund…… ‘A Hug for Deep River’ The Town of Deep River is a special place filled with wonderful people who do so much every day for the benefit of our community. The Deep River Cares Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County has been created to support local nonprofits in their work to serve Deep River and its residents. The Fund’s mission is: To maintain a fund which supports nonprofit and other qualified organizations serving Deep River and the surrounding area through multiple resources, including grants, to help those organizations – and our friends and…
DonateLindsay and John Parke established the JB Parke Memorial Funds in memory of their son John Brinton “JB” Parke, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 33 after a year-long battle with a rare, aggressive form of kidney cancer. JB was a 2006 graduate of Coginchaug High School and attended Region 13 schools during all of his primary and secondary school years – truly a committed student and member of the Region 13 family. JB loved his sports, both playing and as a spectator. He exhibited all the great sportsmanship qualities in every sport he played –…
DonateSally 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…
DonateWe sit under them for shade. We glory in their beauty throughout the New England seasons. But have you ever considered all the various ways our tree canopy aids our community? SOS Trees (“Save Our Shade”) is a group of Old Saybrook residents committed to raising awareness about the importance of the tree canopy and assisting residents and businesses in planting and maintaining our trees in Old Saybrook. Trees and shrubs are vitally important to our collective health and quality of life – they: help conserve energy in summer and winter. clean the air. provide important nesting habitats, food, and…
DonatePhysical and mental health issues affect so many in our communities – directly or indirectly. The COVID-19 pandemic raised a great deal of awareness about the benefits of our overall well-being and the important part mental wellness plays in our lives and our community. One local Clinton resident, Dylan Walter, decided to take steps to help his community support programs directly impacting an individual’s, and a community’s, overall well-being. Dylan is committed to rallying support and finding ways to ensure local service organizations serving the Town of Clinton have the resources they need. Working with the Community Foundation of Middlesex…
DonateHelping Our Local Families and Communities Thrive A local group of caring people, dedicated to helping others, has established the River Valley Fund for Families (RVFF) at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc. (CFMC). RVFF volunteers are well known locally for their caring and generous ways. They have worked tirelessly to raise funds to help nonprofit organizations serving children and families in the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline areas. RVFF will focus its fundraising efforts to benefit children and families in the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline areas facing challenges that impact their daily lives and future. Utilizing CFMC’s…
DonateIn celebration of Arbor Day 2023, we are honored to launch the Sally and Sal D’Aquila “Salix Fund.” The Fund is dedicated to finding as many ways as possible to plant earth and pollinator friendly trees, shrubs, and pollinator gardens. “Salix” you ask? What’s that? Salix (Willows) are deciduous trees and shrubs compromising around 350 species. They are found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions. What is the function of Salix? Salix plants have been used medicinally since ancient times to treat painful musculoskeletal joint pain conditions, inflammation, and fever, and have been linked to the discovery…
DonateCommunity is the cornerstone of what makes all the towns in Middlesex County great places to live, work, and play! A group of residents of Chester are committed to ensuring that the community is able to respond to issues, needs, and services that have the greatest impact for the benefit of their neighbors. Together, working with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, they established the Chester Leadership Fund. An Advisory Committee has been established to aid in identifying and responding to the needs of Chester. The community members establishing the Fund worked together to develop a Roles & Responsibilities document for…
DonateThe Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) received an early 20th anniversary gift in 2017 with news that the nonprofit organization will be the recipient of an $8 million bequest from the trust of the late Mary Janvrin. Ms. Janvrin and her pre-deceased sister Natalie Janvrin Wiggins lived quiet lives in Old Lyme. They shared a life-long love of all nature, particularly birds, as well as the arts and history. Mary later resided in Chester and continued to enjoy the beauty of the region until her passing in September 2016. At that time her trust set into motion the establishment…
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