There is a moment in every strong community when generosity becomes more than an idea; it becomes something lived, shared, and multiplied. For the Community Foundation for MetroWest, that moment happens every day through people like John Donovan and Donna Hale.
A JOURNEY OF CONNECTION
Donna’s story with the Foundation didn’t begin with an investment, but with an invitation. In 2010, she was serving as board chair of Bethany Hill Place, facing the challenges that many nonprofits experience, doing more with less. An invitation from the Foundation offered something rare, not just support, but connection, and yes, there was focaccia bread, and wine involved.
“What I found was a catalyst,” Donna recalls. Convenings and expert guidance gave nonprofit leaders the tools to build capacity, strengthen strategy, and expand their impact. These gatherings created space to learn from one another and lead more effectively, a gift that continues to inspire her today.
FROM LEADERSHIP TO PHILANTHROPY
Years later, Donna’s service on the Foundation’s Distribution Committee deepened her understanding of community needs. She met what she calls “the unassuming best people,” individuals who saw a need and chose to act. She also witnessed the Foundation’s remarkable growth while remaining grounded in local knowledge and trusted relationships.
A PHILOSOPHY OF PURPOSE
Often, philanthropy is not a solo endeavor; it is a family commitment. Donna’s husband, John, shares her dedication to giving back, and together they have instilled those values in their children. John challenges the idea that philanthropy is reserved for the few. “It’s everyday people and families making thoughtful choices who drive meaningful change,” he says. For him and for Donna, this is a call to action.
Through their philanthropy, Donna and John have turned their values into action, helping build a stronger MetroWest and demonstrating how generosity can connect communities, create opportunity, and enrich the lives of others.
Giving is not separate from living well; it is part of it. It connects us, strengthens us, and reminds us of our responsibility to one another.
IMPACT THAT LASTS
At a time when local needs continue to grow, Donna and John’s approach reflects the vital role of community philanthropy in building a more responsive, resilient, and connected region. Their story demonstrates what happens when individuals encounter a trusted institution at the right moment and choose to stay engaged.
Through their partnership with the Community Foundation for MetroWest, Donna and John have shown that philanthropy is defined not by scale, but by intention.
“Someone once said that service is the rent we pay for our time here on earth. We don’t know if we can fully live up to this honor, but we plan to make sure our rent is fully paid.”
