In over a decade, Pine Acres guests, seasonal campers, and employees have raised and donated over $100,000 to various local charities. Each year, the team picks a charity that is near and dear to someone’s heart. In the past, we have partnered with such great organizations as:
• The Karen Wellington Foundation – Our mission is simple. We put FUN on the calendars of women and families LIVING with breast cancer by sending them on special vacations, relaxing spa days, concerts and other FUN-ONLY activities.
• Veterans Inc – Our Mission: To be there for our veterans and their families in their time of need with the ultimate goal to end homelessness among veterans. To help our veterans regain self-sufficiency through the provision of holistic supportive services, including housing, employment and training, case management, food security, health and wellness, family support programs, women, and child care services.
• ALS Association – Our Mission: To discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.
• Additionally, over the last several years, our major fundraisers have included the Jimmy Fund, the Red Cross, Camp Sunshine, Dana Farber, and Pawsitively 4 Pink.
• And more! The complete list is long and includes many small local organizations including fire and police associations, Boy Scout groups, the Oakham Historical Society, the Oakham library, etc.
In keeping with our goal of supporting organizations meaningful to all those around us, this year we are excited to partner with:
• Why Me & Sherry’s House – Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help Central New England families cope with childhood cancer.
The Why Me organization was conceived and created by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. Sherry, always smiled, wrote poetry and was compassionate far beyond her years. Even while fighting her own four year battle with cancer, she always thought about helping other sick children. Sherry was the very first Pediatric Oncology patient at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. She found many wonderful ways to lift the spirits of her fellow cancer patients as a means to ease their suffering. During her fight with cancer, she became an inspiration to all who knew her, especially the other children being treated for cancer that she met. Sherry could see how difficult it was for the families and that someone needed to help them. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, Terry, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.
Since that time Terry has devoted himself to raising awareness about Why Me and funding for the needs of families with childhood cancer. Through countless years of hard work, long days, and personal sacrifices the journey to make Sherry’s vision of support an enduring reality has been realized. Fast forward 30 years and Terry’s service continues as Chairman of the Board of Directors and leader of the Christmas party kazoo parade.
We look forward to another successful fundraising year, thanks to all of you!