Exciting news! Check your mail for the first ever MFi annual appeal letter! A dozen of our neighbors have already responded. You can also donate on-line here – https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/give


Exciting news! Check your mail for the first ever MFi annual appeal letter! A dozen of our neighbors have already responded. You can also donate on-line here – https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/give


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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation

Join us for the 15th year of The MFi Angel Run, we’re going Virtual this year! Run anytime, anywhere between the dates of Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday, December 6th, 2020 to support the MFi Angel Run and maintain a safe physical distance.
Your registration donation to the MFi Angel Run directly supports residents in need right here in Medfield and this year that need is greater than ever. The Angel Run helps raise thousands of dollars that is put back into the community to help people who have come upon hard times. Your registration helps make a difference in the lives of so many people. If a virtual 5K is not your thing, please register as a donation to the MFi during this unprecedented time.
Registration for the virtual Angel Run is now open
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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Medfield Foundation, Recreation, Sports, Teens, Volunteers
From the Medfield Patch –
Barbara Leighton (2016) (Courtesty Photo)The following provided by the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill Committee and MFi.
Medfield native Barbara Leighton was a woman before her time due to her interests and achievements over her long life. As reported last July when she celebrated her 100th birthday, Ms. Leighton grew up in Medfield doing the physical work of men such as chopping wood, tapping maple trees and clearing brush, plus she was an outdoors person who enjoyed fishing and hunting! In addition, Barbara’s love of Medfield and history collided to make her an unofficial historian for our town, holding archeological digs for middle school children at town historical sites for decades, donating 7.4 acres of conservation land in 1989, serving for years as both the curator of the Medfield Historical Society and caretaker of the Peak Househttps://4900f88a3514d9e2f0df188d4d007260.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
But Barbara really put her Medfield history interests and out-sized skills together at the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill where she worked for decades doing everything from scrambling up ladders to hammer roof shingles, to replacing and renovating windows and other elements, helping to make it another Medfield historical gem. Dick Judge, Chair of the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill Committee relayed, “As an original member of the Gristmill Committee, just one of the many projects Barbara undertook was about thirty or so years ago. She took apart a ruined fireplace brick by brick, cleaned the bricks, and then used them to build a brick floor in the Gristmill…that still exists today!”
Dick Judge further noted, “Without Barbara’s incredible decades of dedication to our circa 1718 grist mill, I fear not only would it literally have fallen to pieces, but she served as a constant reminder of how one person’s conviction and example can motivate so many of us to save and preserve such an important and beautiful Medfield historic site.”
Kingsbury Pond Gristmill (Courtesy Photo)
The Kingsbury Pond Gristmill Committee (KPGC), a Medfield Foundation Initiative, is a group of adult volunteers dedicated to preserving, maintaining and improving one of Medfield’s most visible historic buildings built around 1718 by Captain Joseph Clark. Located on Spring Street (Rt. 27S) at the serene Kingsbury Pond. The committee hopes to reopen the mill for people to see how milling has progressed through the years.
After Ms. Leighton passed away last August, she ensured her life’s work will continue because in her estate she left a significant planned gift to the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill Committee, through the Medfield Foundation, for the amazing work the team has done on the facility. Thus, Barbara Leighton’s unique legacy as an extraordinary woman whose influence and service-oriented life’s-work over an impressive 100 years in Medfield will extend for many years beyond what would have been her 101st year.
Medfield High School Class of 1936 in front of what is now the Pfaff Center. Barbara Leighton is the second from the left in the front row! (Courtesy Photo)
Evan Weisenfeld, President of the Medfield Foundation, said, “This large planned gift from the estate of Barbara Leighton means generations of people in Medfield will continue to enjoy the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill, and volunteers now can continue its preservation.”
He continued, “Furthermore, the Medfield Foundation urges you to thoughtfully consider making gifts in your estate plans to support our town through the Medfield Foundation and its signature programs and community initiatives such as the Gristmill and other town landmark preservation efforts, the Legacy Fund, Public Need Fund, and many others, to ensure your unique legacy continues the work of ensuring Medfield is a great place to live now and in the future.”
In this time of change, when many people are revisiting their wills, please consider making provisions to better our town via planned giving to the Medfield Foundation, Inc. Residents considering planned donations in their estates to MFi can designate a specific initiative or sector of interest, or the Legacy Fund, an endowment fund that leaves a lasting legacy for our town’s future needs.
Barbara Leighton left a legacy of countless examples of service to Medfield over her 100-year life, but also ensured her legacy will live on through her planned gift to the Kingsbury Pond Gristmill through the Medfield Foundation.
Would you please consider leaving a lasting gift in your estate planning?
There are many ways to donate today, too! Just check out the website: https://www.medfieldfoundation.org. You will find a complete list of current campaigns such as the COVID-19 Support Fund and Summer Camp Fund, plus information about MFi, signature programs, community initiatives, and much more.Ring | Featured AdvertiserMichael Wondered How a Tree Got in His Yard, Ring Video Had the ClueWhen a downpour took his neighborhood by surprise, Michael was happy to have the Ring Video Doorbell in the eye of the storm.Watch Now
For information about Medfield Foundation planned gifts and more please email info@medfieldfoundation.org, phone (774) 469-0260, or mail Medfield Foundation, c/o Medfield Townhouse, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052.
The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate the raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield.
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Posted in History, Medfield Foundation, People

The COVID-19 crisis impacting the world around us is having its own effects right here in Medfield. As of April 23, 2020, Medfield has seen 23 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus with 14 recoveries. But beyond those catching this disease, many of your friends and neighbors have been impacted through job losses or other hardships.
As the Local Foundation serving our town, the Medfield Foundation, Inc. (MFi) launched the Medfield COVID-19 Relief Fund in March to assist with those individuals who find themselves experiencing significant financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
To date, more than 140 individuals and organizations have contributed to the Medfield COVID-19 Relief Fund. We continue to receive requests from local residents experiencing financial hardships and anticipate this will continue into the coming months as this crisis stretches on. Through the generous donations received, we’ve been able to help. Here are some comments from just a few people who have received support from the fund.
“I’m so grateful to have received help with my rent. Being home all day is pretty tough on the psyche, where all one can think about is impending hardship. Knowing my rent is taken care of is a huge weight off my shoulders and I am so grateful for the help I’ve received. Thank you so much for everything.”
“When you are told that there are people that care about their community to donate something they have that others don’t, it means so much. It really took a lot of pressure off me so I thank you with all my heart…my guardian angel.”
“I would love to share that I am a single mom of four children… I’ve been out of work for three weeks, still waiting on my unemployment, and it is so nice to know that this program is there and helping so many. I can’t say enough good about this amazing program. God bless and thank you so very much.”
“I don’t know what to say. You saved 3 people.”
“Thanks for the good news and to all the donors who are supporting each and everyone in a time like this when most hope is gone.”
A special thank you to the following local organizations:
In addition to these donations, a local business, Kate Image Photography Studio created the Front Steps Project Medfield with proceeds benefiting the Medfield Foundation Medfield COVID-19 Relief Fund. Katie Ntasios, owner of Kate Image, donates her time to take “socially distanced” family photos to document the experience. Families that participate are encouraged to make a donation to the Medfield COVID-19 Relief Fund. Thank you to the many families that have already participated and made donations. For more information or to schedule your photo please visit https://www.kateimage.com/.
In order to meet the immediate and future local need, it is our hope that additional generous donors will join us to support the good work being done during these challenging and uncertain times. Information on how to donate can be found online at https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/give. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to Medfield Foundation and mail it to Medfield Foundation, PO Box 745, Medfield, MA 02052. All distributions from the fund are made after review by local social service professionals.
If you have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and your family is in need of emergency assistance, we want to help. Please visit our website at https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/covid-19 to submit our online request form to receive support. Someone will follow up directly with you. Assistance comes in many forms including financial support. All information is kept strictly confidential.
If you would like more information before donating, contact Evan Weisenfeld, Medfield Foundation President (508-740-4367 or evan@medfieldfoundation.org or Abby Marble, Medfield Foundation Treasurer (508-361-9825 email treasurer@medfieldfoundation.org).
Did you know…
The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield. Since its inception in 2001, MFi has raised over $3 million to support community-wide initiatives in Medfield.
MFi was founded on the realization that some residents were interested in contributing more than town taxes to support projects and services that would enrich life in Medfield. Annual fundraising revenue varies each year as the initiatives and needs in the town change. For additional information please visit https://medfieldfoundation.org.
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Posted in Charity, COVID-19, Medfield Foundation
I was asked yesterday – “Could your blog offer names and contact information of organizations that help Medfield residents in time of need?” I will list the ones of which I am aware, and invite others to add to my list.
The oldest helping entity I am aware of is the Home Committee. Kathy Thompson (kathompson@gmail.com) and Georgia Colivas of the Home Committee appeared at a recent Select Board meeting to explain the Home Committee. At that time they announced that the Home Committee had made a substantial donation to the Medfield Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.
The Town of Medfield’s human services are managed through the Medfield Youth Outreach, the Council on Aging, and Veterans Services.
Medfield Youth Outreach
88R South Street, Door 12
Medfield, MA 02052
cgoldstein-walsh@medfield.net
Work 508-359-7121
Lisa Donovan, Outreach Coordinator
Council on Aging
One Ice House Road
Medfield, MA 02052
ldonovan@medfield.net
508-359-3665

The Medfield Foundation was started in 2001 with a simple idea, that Medfield residents would be willing to make private donations for public purposes in their own hometown, and to date over $3 m. has been given.
As a result of the annual Angel Run each December being a Medfield Foundation initiative, MFi started fourteen years ago raising monies for its Public Needs Fund to assist Medfield families. The MFi’s Public Needs Funds are disbursed to an Angel Fund administered jointly by the Medfield Youth Outreach office and Pastor Phil Bauman of the UCC, from where the monies are disbursed to Medfield families in need.
MFi responded four years ago to a perceived need to assist all Medfield children to be able to attend summer camp by the creation of its Camp Fund, currently administered by Rose Colleran.
Medfield Helping Hands, a Medfield Foundation initiative, is a volunteer network that supports Medfield families in temporary crisis with meals and rides. It is run by Laurie Nealon, Kathleen Cahill, and Katie Henebry.
The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is an endowment established for the long-term benefit of the Medfield community which engages in grant-making to support community-driven projects. Its Community Board, run by Todd Trehubenko and Chris Cahill, is engaged in raising $1 m. to endow the Legacy Fund.
Most recently, MFi has created its COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was created to specifically assist residents in need due to issues arising due to the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 Relief Fund is being headed by Evan Weisenfeld and Abby Marble
Any Medfield Foundation initiative mentioned can be reached through the website, or by an email to president@medfieldfoundation.org or treasurer@medfieldfoundation.org.
I suspect that all the churches in town are engaged in helping residents as well, but I do not know those details.
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Posted in Charity, Council on Aging, COVID-19, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach, Veterans
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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation

The Medfield Foundation’s Angel Run is seeking individuals to assist with the following parts of the annual family friendly race in December, to work with seasoned volunteers:
Join the team, share the fun, and do some good for your hometown!
Email to info@medfieldfoundation.org with interest.

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Posted in Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Medfield Foundation, People, Recreation, Sports, Teens

Many adults and children have happy memories of summer camp. From a traditional experience playing in the woods, swimming in a pond or making arts and crafts to skill building and other types of specialized camps, many Medfielders cherish these summer camp experiences and the friends they made. How would you feel if you never had the opportunity to go to camp?
Before the summer camp season begins, the Medfield Foundation board wants the town to know that there are a significant number of local families whose children yearn to attend camp, but simply can’t afford it. Due to difficult financial situations at home, many children are unable to attend summer camps. It can be challenging to grow up in an affluent community such as Medfield and not have access to the development opportunities, fun and life-long friendships that summer camps can provide.
After first responding to a specific significant need three years ago, the MFi board established the Summer Camp Fund. This fund has become a popular way for people with the financial means to do so to give back to the Medfield community. The MFi board is now in its third year of the fund, and, as in years past, is looking to raise $5,000 to assist as many families as possible to give their children the ability to attend summer camp.
The Medfield Foundation is asking people to make a tax-deductible donation to help Medfield children attend summer camp. There are two easy ways to make a donation:
Send a check to: Medfield Foundation PO Box 745 Medfield, MA 02052. Please make the check out to Medfield Foundation, Inc. and write “CAMP” in the memo line.
Use this link to donate: http://medfieldfoundation.org/donate/
If you would like more information before donating, contact Rose Colleran, Medfield Foundation Summer Camp Fund Chair (617-947-4896 or camp@medfieldfoundation.org) or Medfield Foundation Treasurer, Abby Marble (508-361-9825 or treasurer@medfieldfoundation.org).
The Medfield Foundation is a 100 percent volunteer run 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield. Since its inception in 2001, MFi has raised more than $3 million to support community-wide initiatives in Medfield.
MFi was founded on the realization that some residents were interested in contributing more than town taxes to support projects and services that would enrich life in Medfield. Annual fundraising revenue varies each year as the initiatives and needs in the town change. Please go to http://medfieldfoundation.org/
Posted in Charity, Children, Medfield Foundation, Teens
The initial newsletter of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund appears below. It focuses on the recipients of the inaugural round of Legacy Fund grants, who are creating exciting things for the town’s future:


To learn more about the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund:
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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation
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Posted in Charity, Events, Medfield Foundation, Music, People, Recreation, Sports, Volunteers