Press Release from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County

Summer is here, and with this sunny season comes many reasons to celebrate and have fun! At the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), we’re excited to celebrate the graduating seniors and all our youth who are switching gears to warm days spent outside of the classroom. After students have worked hard during the school year, summer is a time to have fun, pursue a passion, attend camp, make memories, and maybe even move on to the adventures the future has in store. We also want to celebrate all the “Good People Doing Great Things” who support our local youth through the funds they established at CFMC. These funds truly make a difference, and without the generosity of CFMC donors, we couldn’t make “Great Things” happen! CFMC donors come from all walks of life, with varied life experiences, yet they have one thing in common — a commitment to “pay it forward” and to partner on building a Better Today and Brighter Tomorrow for all. Their caring ways and impact on our community are worthy of our highest honors.

Three cheers for all those who established funds at CFMC to support grants for education. Thanks to their generosity, 30 graduating high school seniors throughout Middlesex County were recognized for their achievements this spring. Some students were honored for academic excellence. Others were recognized for their community service. Some were selected for their performance as scholar-athletes, while others were honored for their creativity and dedication to the arts. Each received a grant award to pursue a career in a wide array of interest areas, including environmental studies, communications, journalism, the arts, civics, political science, engineering, architecture, construction science and management, and trade or technical specialties. With their talent and CFMC donor support, the future looks bright for all of Middlesex County.

Hooray for Summer — and Smiles! It wouldn’t be summer without a smile — or two — from our wonderful campers. A round of applause to our friends, the M. Jones Fund at CFMC. Once again, this generous family is spreading smiles and making sure that children have access to that special camp experience. Grant awards were presented to Bushy Hill Nature Center, Camp Hazen YMCA, Community Music School, Oddfellows Playhouse, Valley Shore YMCA, and YMCA of Northern Middlesex County, as well as the park and recreation departments and youth service bureaus in Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. Only one rule: Have some fun! Organizations use the awards for anything from providing access to camperships, allowing more children to participate in summer programs regardless of their family’s ability to pay, to new activities and experiences that encourage social connections. Every experience helps young people explore a special interest, make new friends, and create lifelong memories, thanks to the generosity of the M. Jones Fund. Wow, talk about making a big splash!

Hip! Hip! Hooray! for every donor, volunteer, nonprofit, friend, and neighbor for helping improve the quality of life in Middlesex County. We celebrate YOU who work through CFMC to support an area of interest and establish funds to provide immediate and future support for animal welfare, arts and culture, health and social services, history, education, economic security, the environment, civic improvements, recreation, and so much more. CFMC is proud to be accredited with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the nation’s highest and most rigorous standard for philanthropic excellence. We invite you to learn more about how you can help our local communities continue to thrive. Visit us at www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org or call us at 860-347-0025 to get the conversation started.