Arlene R. Mazzotta Fund for MARC

A Legacy of Helping Others

Arlene Mazzotta was a force in the community. In addition to founding and nurturing A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists to be the successful business it is,

Laura Pedersen and Arlene Mazzotta

she championed where we work, live, and play each and every day. Arlene accomplished much while celebrating life to the fullest. She had a list of “firsts” throughout her life. She was the first woman chair of the Board of Directors of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. She was a founding member of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls and later the Council of Business Partners Fund and its Campaign for Bully-Free Communities. Arlene always found ways to lend a helping hand to those in need because she knew the power of a community working together, and she inspired others through her own service to make our region a place where everyone could succeed.

Closest to her heart were organizations and programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arlene understood first-hand the importance of programs designed to encourage independence, develop basic life skills, and support families working to ensure their children and grandchildren were respected and accepted. Arlene was inspired by her own granddaughter to become involved with MARC Community Resources which offered her an opportunity to advocate and educate about the needs and issues facing individuals in our community.

Arlene’s daughter, Laura Pedersen, knew she wanted to do something special to honor her mother’s passion, commitment, and legacy. At the heart of everything her mother did in and for the community was one core desire to develop a safe, supportive community where everyone, no matter their abilities, could thrive.

Working with the Community Foundation, Laura determined her mother’s legacy could best be continued with a designated fund for MARC Community Resources. Arlene loved this incredible organization whose mission is to empower adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their dreams and make choices about their lives. To honor and help fulfill these dreams, MARC provides people with choices for housing, employment, and social/recreational life.

“My mother knew the challenges – and opportunities – facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. MARC provides choices and celebrates empowerment for the people it serves,” explained Laura. “My mother personally witnessed the difference MARC makes in the lives of people they serve. To establish a Fund which will support MARC and its programs – forever – and help make life a success for all would be extremely meaningful to her.”

The Arlene R. Mazzotta Fund for MARC, an endowed Fund at the Community Foundation, will help MARC meet the needs of their consumers and their families for years to come and will honor the life’s passion of an inspiring individual. Arlene will be fondly remembered by her family and the community. Her legacy will be honored by supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through MARC’s good works.

 “Arlene Mazzotta was a visionary leader who embraced and championed MARC’s mission. Laura Pedersen exemplifies the generous spirit of her mother with the creation of this legacy fund which ensures MARC’s vitality and perpetuity. It offers MARC supporters the opportunity to invest in our future and the essential services and programs for our participants,” remarked Linda Iovanna, President of MARC.

Arlene – a business entrepreneur, a leader, a mentor, a community advocate –would be proud and pleased.