REAS Foundation Surpasses the 60% Mark in Fund-raising!
“The greatness of a community is ultimately judged not so much by the beauty or magnificence of its structures, but rather, by its compassion, contributions, and care for its most vulnerable members.” So reads the first sentence of the REAS Foundation Mission Statement, as it is one of the core values held by members of our organization. It is apparent as well, that “…care for its most vulnerable members”, is an overwhelming value shared by the members of this community.
In just eight weeks of “passive fundraising”, Sturbridge residents and businesses have demonstrated their amazing sense of kinship and generosity by contributing over $13,000 in support of energy assistance for Sturbridge seniors. Since the announcement of the REAS Foundation 10K Circle of Friends and 10K Circle of Businesses on July 16, 2008, the commitment and devotion of this community has enabled us to reach the 63% mark of our fundraising efforts.
This is nothing short of incredible, and clearly speaks to the compassion of Sturbridge residents and businesses, who each day are demonstrating their deep concern for the well-being of their neighbors.
Each day, as the temperature drops and we consider adjustments to our energy usage, we are reminded that members of our senior community may not have the means to offset the coming challenges between fuel, food, and energy costs. These residents, who for decades, have contributed to our society are now faced with costs that are quickly outpacing their limited incomes and cost of living adjustments, for those who may be so fortunate to have such.
Most of these senior members of our community are unwilling to reach out for help, as many have lived their lives giving, as opposed to receiving. Seeking assistance for themselves, is a concept that contradicts many of the core beliefs held by these individuals, who have spent their lives making do with what they had, regardless of its limitations.
Now however, the crushing costs of food, health-care, and energy, coupled with taxes and escalating costs across the boards, have placed many of our seniors in a perilous predicament. For many, the future looks bleak.
Yet, here in Sturbridge, these same individuals are now experiencing a renewed sense of hope, as they lay witness each day, to the incredible generosity and devotion of their neighbors within this community. Each of you who have given thus far, and certainly those of you who will give in the future, are the ones responsible for introducing hope back into the lives of these residents. It is your generosity, your compassion, your sense of community, that is reducing the sense of desperation some of our seniors are experiencing.
We at the REAS Foundation, are grateful to be a vehicle for the generosity of Sturbridge residents and businesses, and are humbled, that you have allowed us to be a part of the success, this endeavor has enjoyed thus far.
We do recognize though, that all signs point to a very difficult winter here in the northeast, and it will surely “take a village”, or in this case an entire community, to soften the blow on our most vulnerable residents. The continued support of each of us within the community is critical, if we are to be successful in reaching all of our seniors needing assistance.
Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director