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August 26, 2009
Creating a “Community of Friends”
Most OAT travelers are already aware of Grand Circle Foundation’s charitable efforts in the communities to which we travel—but you may not be aware of the giving that happens within our own community here in Boston. Each year, 95 percent of our associates participate in community service projects on the home front, donating their time, money, and even pints of blood to better the lives of those in need.
While I commend everyone who participates, some associates go above and beyond when it comes to making a difference—and Kathy Wilder, the Director of Data Warehouse in our Information Technology department, is one of them. Inspired by Grand Circle Foundation, Kathy and her husband, John, founded their own charity called Community of Friends in their hometown of Marblehead, Massachusetts. According to their mission statement, “The organization’s mission is to provide practical necessities, outreach services, and enriching experiences to our neighbors in need.”
Each fall, before the school year begins, Community of Friends runs a backpack drive to provide school supplies for children whose families who can’t afford them. You can read about this event—and learn more about Kathy and Community of Friends—in News & Views.
Grand Circle Foundation may have provided some inspiration, but Kathy and John deserve all the credit for the wonderful work that they do through Community of Friends. To me, they are an inspiration. I hope you’ll read their story.
Harriet Lewis