I Love Newton

Category: Do Good

Charities and volunteer opporunities in Newton, MA and Boston.

  • ForGirlSake Tennis Tournament Fundraiser

    ForGirlSake Tennis Tournament Fundraiser

    FOURTH ANNUAL FORGIRLSAKE TENNIS TOURNAMENT SET FOR SEPT. 24

    Fundraiser Will Help Girls in Uganda Continue Their Education

    ForGirlSake Tennis Tournament Fundraiser

    For the fourth consecutive year, a Newton-based charity that promotes education for girls, invites the Greater Boston tennis community to register for the Forgirlsake Women’s Doubles Tennis Open (FGSO).  The tournament will take place Newton North High School on Sept. 24, with a rain date ofSept. 25.  Two sessions are available at 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  The FGSO offers fast, competitive play (3.0 – 4.0) in a supportive environment and players can sign up alone or with a partner.  The fee is a minimum $75.00 donation per player, per session.  An added registration benefit this year is “Not Your Mother’s Warm-up,” a pre-game session with professionals.  To participate, visit www.forgirlsake.org/tennis.

    Held for the first time in 2013, the FGSO is the signature fundraising event for Forgirlsake (FGS). Celebrating its 10th anniversary, FGS focuses on keeping teenaged girls in school in developing countries where they are often kept at home for domestic duties. By doing so, FGS enables them to reach leadership positions and increase their earning power.  For the second year in a row, FGS is working on the Second Chance Education Project, created by the Pathways Development Initiative, an organization based in Uganda.  The group is dedicated to helping girls build sustainable livelihoods by getting them back to school when they have dropped out, due to lack of funds, pregnancy or other circumstances. Money raised from the tournament helps pay for a range of items including books, computers, scholarships and building materials.  The FGSO is made possible by Newton North High School, Newton Tennis and local business sponsors. The event is spearheaded by FGS co-founder and local resident, Stephanie Zelman. Other organizers are Sami O’Reilly, Deb Cronin, Noura Guermazi, Emilie Kendall and Lisa Rinkus, also of Newton.

     

    FGS was founded in 2006 and brings women of all ages together to support girls’ education and have a measurable impact on their lives and communities around the world.  The group was formed by former students of the Trafalgar School for Girls, in Montreal, after attending a class reunion in 2005.  For the past 10 years, FGS has empowered hundreds of young women in developing countries on a shoestring budget. The group is staffed entirely by volunteers, and proceeds support its mission to build thriving communities and a more equitable society.

    For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit: http://www.forgirlsake.org/donate, call 617-630-5200 or email steph@forgirlsake.org.

  • Film Fundraiser About Vertex Pharmaceutical

    Film Fundraiser About Vertex Pharmaceutical

    *From Startup to Billion-Dollar Biotech: An Inside Look at Vertex*

    Film Fundraiser About Vertex Pharmaceutical
    *Register Now!

    *Cost *$25.00

    *When*
    Monday August 8, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EDT
    Add to Calendar

    *Where*
    *Mass Innovation Labs*
    675 West Kendall Street
    Kendall Square
    Cambridge, MA 02142

    *What was it really like when a team of dedicated researchers and
    entrepreneurs launched the biotech revolution in Cambridge? *

    Find out first-hand from those who were there for a special panel featuring Rich Aldrich, former Chief Business Officer of Vertex and founding employee, Vicki Sato, Ph.D., the company’s former President and Chief Science Officer, and author Barry Werth!
    Join us at this fundraiser to support indie filmmakers Yael Beals, Mark
    Rennella, Jim Gallant who will bring the book *The Billion Dollar Molecule* to the big screen.

    Our panel includes:

    – Barry Werth, author of the books *The Billion Dollar Molecule* and *The
    Antidote*
    – Vicki Sato, Ph.D.,  Professor of Management at Harvard Business School
    – Rich Aldrich, co-founder and Partner of Longwood Fund
    – Barret Bready, M.D., CEO of Nabsys, moderator

    Photos donated by Wally Gilbert, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate and Professor
    Emeritus at Harvard University
    will be displayed and auctioned too.

    Details:

    – Q & A with Sato, Aldrich and Werth, on the birth of the biotech
    industry as told in Werth’s book *The Billion Dollar Molecule*
    – Filmmakers Yael Beals, Mark Rennella and Jim Gallant will discuss the making of *The Billion Dollar Molecule* into a major feature film
    – Silent auction of select photos by Wally Gilbert
    – All proceeds go to the funding of the film

    *Learn more about this event here.

  • Birthday Wishes Needs Toddler Toys!

    Birthday Wishes Needs Toddler Toys!

    Toddler toys needed!

    Birthday Wishes Toddler Toys Needed

    The Newton Office is in need of brand new toddler toys (1-2 years) such as:

    * Stacking Toys
    * Sensory Balls
    * Learning/Activity toys

    * Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head

     

    To schedule a donation drop-off click here.

    The Newton office is open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

    Can’t make it to Newton? Shop our wish list:

  • Cultural Survival’s Bazaars in Jamaica Plain

    Cultural Survival’s Bazaars in Jamaica Plain

    On Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7 from 10am-5pm, Indigenous artists and musicians from around the world will come together for a free admission festival celebrating their cultures. The Jamaica Plain community is invited to join them to enjoy Indigenous music from Mali, Ecuador, and the US northeast and art whose purchase supports the livelihoods of Indigenous communities around the globe. An attendee has called it “the best place to get unique global gifts while supporting indigenous cultures!”

    Cultural Survival’s Bazaars in Jamaica Plain

    The Bazaars bring a complementary burst of color to the arts community in Jamaica Plain, with Indigenous makers demonstrating and telling the stories behind their crafts and selling one-of-a-kind pieces of art for various budgets. Attendees enjoy the chance to meet people from around the world in an intimate, community-like space. Picnickers are welcome to munch while listening to all-day concerts.

    Since 1982, Cultural Survival’s Bazaars have provided a market for thousands of artists and cooperatives spanning six continents and over sixty countries. Each year the Bazaars generate about half a million dollars for Indigenous artists, performers, and projects benefiting Indigenous communities worldwide. Attendees can enjoy craft-making demonstrations, free concerts, and one-on-one conversations with representatives of dozens of different Indigenous cultures.

    Many vendors represent cooperatives that make it possible for children to attend school and provide a singular source of income to women. Whether working with ancient techniques or modern materials, the artists produce unique pieces and intricate designs that fascinate viewers. One attendee said, “It’s like a trip around the world’s bazaars.”

    About Cultural Survival: Cultural Survival is an international GBO whose mission is to advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and support Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures, and political resilience.

  • 7th Annual HopeWalks: Register Now!

    7th Annual HopeWalks: Register Now!

    The Newton-Wellesley Hospital Charitable Foundation has announced that its seventh annual HopeWalks event will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2016. HopeWalks is a 3.3 mile neighborhood walk to benefit cancer patients and their families by supporting the Integrative Support Services offered at the Vernon Cancer Center. These life-enhancing services for cancer patients optimize healing and comfort throughout treatment. Newton-Wellesley Hospital wants to continue making these services available to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Online registration is now open at www.nwh.org/hopewalks.

    7th Annual HopeWalks: Register Now!

    “HopeWalks has become such a wonderful community event, and we look forward to coming together once again for our 7th HopeWalks to benefit the Vernon Cancer Center,” said Joan Archer, president, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Charitable Foundation. “To see so many people walking in honor of those who have fought or are fighting cancer is extremely powerful. Supporting HopeWalks by walking or donating really does give hope to all our cancer patients and their families.”

    The HopeWalks route will begin and end at the hospital and all ages are welcome. Check-in will begin at 9:00 AM, with opening ceremonies starting at 9:30 AM. The walk will then set-off at 10:00 AM. Each walker is asked to raise a minimum of $100.

    The online registration fee is $30 per walker. For those who register by paper or on the day of the event, the registration fee is $40. Children 10 and under are free. Corporate sponsorships at all levels are available.  For more information, please contact Maryann Zschau at (617) 243-5915 or hopewalks@partners.org.

  • #LiveUnlimited and Support the Muscular Dystrophy Association

    #LiveUnlimited and Support the Muscular Dystrophy Association

    Davion’s #LiveUnlimited moment is an inspiration for us all.

    Now through July 31, a generous partner will give $1 (up to $30,000!) to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for every #LiveUnlimited moment created and shared via the web tool.

    To celebrate the campaign launch, 18 artists (including X Ambassadors, American Authors, and James Dupre!) are sharing live performances throughout the day. You can see updates here. There are also amazing MDA family stories there.

    In addition to the Endorphin Warrior bracelets (where $6 of each sale goes to MDA), there are also t-shirts, where $7 of each t-shirt sale goes to MDA.

    #LiveUnlimited

  • Cancer Survivor Month: Please Join Us

    Cancer Survivor Month: Please Join Us


    Cancer Survivor Month: Please Join Us

  • Help Stamp Out Hunger on May 14th

    Help Stamp Out Hunger on May 14th

    Help Stamp Out Hunger on May 14th

    Stamp Out Hunger

    WHEN: Saturday, May 14, 2016

    WHERE:  Communities throughout the state.

    WHO: The US Postal Service, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the American people.

    WHAT:  Saturday, May 14th marks the 24th anniversary of America’s largest-single day of food donations — the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The Food Drive provides food to local community banks during a much needed time in a cooperative effort with the U.S. Postal Service and other regional partners.

     

    Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by the mailbox on Saturday, May 14th, and your letter carrier will do the rest. It’s that simple and millions of Americans, including local residents may benefit.

    Last year, on this one day over 71 million pounds of food was collected nationally. Over the course of its 23 year history the drive has collected well over one billion pounds of food, thanks to the Postal Service’s universal network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    The need is great. Currently 49 million Americans (1 in 6) are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Nearly 16 million children feel the impact of hunger on their overall health and ability to perform in school and 5 million seniors over age 60 have to decide between daily meals or paying for rent or needed medications.

    The food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.

     

     

    FAQS: On the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

    Why is this effort so successful?

    Letters carriers know their communities and recognize that need, even in unlikely settings.

    The coming months are especially trying for our neediest neighbors and for the local charities that serve them.  In summer, other food collections taper off and as schools shut down, school breakfast and lunch programs also cut back significantly.  The need escalates just as pantry shelves grow light.

     

    Where does my food go?

    Food collected in a community stays in that community.  We believe that is one reason for the success of this endeavor, because our customers know we are delivering right at home where the need is great.

     

    Is anything special needed?

    Many pantries also work with special dietary or family needs, such as feeding small children and infants, elder nutrition and ethnic needs.  Donations of low to no-sodium, nutritional drinks and packaged ethnic specialties are welcome.

     

    I have some jars of sauce.  Can I set these out?

     Glass containers pose a serious risk to our carriers and to pantry volunteers if broken in transit.  In addition, spills can contaminate other donations.  So please … no glass.

  • FREE Soccer Clinic for Kids Ages 5-8

    FREE Soccer Clinic for Kids Ages 5-8

    Soccer clinic for kids in Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade hosted by Soccer Without Borders Ambassadors, Sidnie and Maia (7th graders). Sidnie and Maia are both on NEFC’s first team, which is ranked #1 in the state. Sidnie’s mom, Alison Foley, is Boston College’s Head Coach for women’s soccer. She will be the assistant at this event.

    Boston College Soccer Field in Newton Location

    Saturday, May 21

    11am to Noon

    Great FREE soccer training for young boys and girls at Boston College Newton Campus (where the Boston College Women’s Soccer Team competes near the Boston College Law School).

    Please help these 7th graders out as they give back to their community!

    To register, email Sidniekulik8888@gmail.com

    soccer without borders soccer clinic