The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Event:
On Thursday, October 17, the Watertown Community Foundation will host their annual fundraiser, Celebrate Impact, highlighting the continued urgency of food insecurity in our community and honoring the people behind Watertown’s core food security programs.
Honorees include the Steering Committee of the Watertown Community Fridge, Stephanie Venizelos of the Watertown Farmers’ Market; Kathy Cunningham and Carol Pennington, who each run one of Watertown’s food pantries; Olivia Fields, Kristen Monti, and Sarah Woods of the Watertown Housing Authority; and JD Donohue, owner of Donohue’s Bar and Grill.
“Approximately 7,800 Watertown residents, or nearly 1 in 5 of our neighbors, need support to feed their families,” said Jen Nicholson, Watertown Community Foundation Board Member and Event Co-Chair. “Our honorees work and volunteer to put food directly into the hands of people who need it.”
“The Watertown Community Foundation works to connect Watertown residents to reliable sources of healthy food by supporting those local organizations whose mission makes this happen,” said Lauren Coughlin Unsworth, Watertown Community Foundation Board Co- President and Event Co-Chair. “We are delighted to celebrate the impact of our honorees and their organizations in making food available to people who need it.”
“When money can’t cover rent, medical care and food: hunger happens. The COVID pandemic highlighted the ongoing presence and urgency of hunger in the Watertown community. With the support of the Watertown Community Foundation, our honorees stepped up existing programs, started new ones, and strengthened partnerships with each other, and with local businesses. No single program, organization or person can tackle this alone. We are proud to see the impact of our grants at work to address hunger,” said Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation.
Support the work of the Watertown Community Foundation by sponsoring Celebrate Impact. Join us on October 17 at 6:30 pm at the Commander’s Mansion to celebrate these hometown heroes and learn more about their work. Tickets are available for purchase here.
About Watertown Community Foundation
The Watertown Community Foundation works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for future generations. Since 2003, WCF has awarded more than $3,000,000 in grants to address local needs to make positive change in the lives of people who live and work in Watertown. With financial support from the Watertown community, we partner with non-profits to help end food insecurity, keep people housed, educate kids, lift-up the arts, and break down barriers to bring people together.
WCF Board of Directors: Lauren Coughlin Unsworth and Mary Ann Mulligan, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Ninos Hanna; Eileen Hsü-Balzer; Heather Leary; Jennifer Nicholson, Anthony Paolillo; Leah Pennino, Lora Sabin; Robert Shay; David Siegel; Felicia Sullivan; and Donna Tuccinardi