Our 9th Annual Spring Inspiration Breakfast on April 27th celebrated the 25th anniversary of our Youth in Philanthropy program, and all who have supported and contributed to its growth and success.
Together we set a record for our Breakfast, and raised over $260,000! Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.Youth are the next generation of leaders and philanthropists in our community. Our YIP program has inspired and enabled over 2,500 students to donate $1.5 million and make an impact throughout MetroWest and beyond. We are proud to recognize their significant contributions which have and continue to improve the lives of our neighbors.
Thanks to all who celebrated this milestone occasion and recognized our Community Philanthropist honorees Patty and Paul Gannon’s commitment to philanthropy education, and our Young Philanthropist honoree Emma Loftus. Attendees also heard from Executive Director Jay Kim on the Foundation’s role in creating a strong and vibrant community for all generations.
Patty and Paul Gannon have lived in MetroWest for over 35 years, raised their family in Sudbury and have been active members of the community with direct involvement in the public schools, Goodnow Library, youth sports, their church, the Sudbury Food Pantry and the Sudbury Senior Center.
Youth have been a focus of their commitment to the community. Ever since their first introduction to the Foundation for MetroWest through their son’s participation in the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program, they have been champions of YIP. They have an appreciation for how it helps transform a young person’s philanthropic journey.
The Gannons value the Foundation’s knowledge about local need, the nonprofit sector, and philanthropy education, which is why they made a transformative investment in the infrastructure of YIP in 2016. Their generosity and forward-thinking has contributed to the success of YIP, both now and for the future.
Patty served as a Trustee of the Foundation from 2013-2019 and is a Trustee Emerita. She was Chair of the Distribution Committee for five years, and Co-Chair of the Spring Inspiration Breakfast in 2015, along with her daughter Jacqueline. Paul has held leadership roles in the communities where he and Patty live and work, including serving for a decade on the Board of Directors of The Boston Foundation and Tenacity. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of WBUR, serves on the Advisory Board of the Baupost Group, LLC and on the Board of Directors of a number of other companies.
The Gannons’ commitment to the Foundation and dedication to philanthropy in our region is known and appreciated by many. In addition to supporting specific initiatives, they have engaged countless neighbors, colleagues, and friends in the work of the Foundation—true champions and friends of our work, helping the Foundation continue to grow and thrive.
Emma Loftus has been an active participant in the Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program, and gives back to the community in many ways.
After graduating from the Fall 2021 Natick YIP program, Emma served as an Assistant Instructor in the Fall 2022 program. Concurrently she joined the Foundation’s YIP Junior Board and serves on the marketing and events committee. In these roles, she leads a variety of fundraising events to help support YIP and the ONEmetrowest Fund.
Emma’s service to the community and her accomplishments extend beyond her involvement with the Foundation. She founded an American Sign Language Club at Natick High school, is a member of the National Honor Society, and Mock Trial Club.
Emma’s commitment to giving back at her school, and her engagement with all facets of YIP, is evident by her continuing involvement with the Foundation and its work in the community.
Event Co-Chairs Jessica and Casey Walter
