“Tommy Leonard Charitable Fund—Nonprofit of the Month” Named in Honor of Race Founder
FALMOUTH, MA (November 28, 2017)—A new initiative to assist local nonprofit organizations and honor its race founder was announced today, on Giving Tuesday, by Falmouth Road Race, Inc.
The “Tommy Leonard Charitable Fund—Nonprofit of the Month” program each month in 2018 will award one local nonprofit organization a $2500 gift to carry forth the philanthropic spirit of Leonard, who founded the race in 1973 to raise funds for the Falmouth High School girls’ track team and co-founded the Falmouth Walk in 1991.
“With this program, we’re proud to salute Tommy for what he has meant to Falmouth as we continue to find new ways to give back to the community,” said Scott Ghelfi, president of the board of directors. Since 2012, Falmouth Road Race, Inc. has donated more than $1.6 million to Falmouth-area organizations and programs. Applications are not necessary for this new monthly award, which is being established in addition to the twice-yearly grant program of FRR, Inc.
“I can’t tell you how honored I am to have this program named after me,” said Leonard, who celebrated his 84th birthday during Race Week this summer. “I love this town and all the good everyone tries to do for one another, and I’m really pleased with the first choice for Nonprofit of the Month.”
Receiving the first award will be the Falmouth firefighters’ “Homeless for the Holidays” event, which collects food and toys during the holiday season. To highlight the event, firefighters will live and sleep outside at 587 Main Street for 48 hours to raise awareness of homelessness. To reach those in need locally, they will work in cooperation with the Falmouth Service Center.
The 2017 Homeless For The Holidays event in Falmouth runs from noon on December 8 to noon on December 10. For more info on how to give, visit homelessfortheholidays.net.
About Homeless For The Holidays In 2002, Bourne firefighter/paramedic Craig Poirier decided to sleep outside in mid-December to raise awareness about homelessness and collect food and toys during the holiday season for his community. Over the past 15 years, with the help of radio station Pixy 103, he and his followers have collected over 49,000 pounds of food, 31,110 toys, and $197,435.75 in Bourne alone, and each year more fire and police departments have become involved in collecting food, toys, and cash donations in their communities.
About Falmouth Road Race, Inc. The New Balance Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The non-profit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.