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Dennis and Elizabeth T. Berk
When Dennis and Elizabeth T. Berk send their donation to the Community Chest, they "know that our gift will be 'invested' wisely to meet the diverse needs in Concord and Carlisle." The Berks have lived in Concord for 30 years; Dennis practices medicine at Emerson Hospital, and Elizabeth is very active volunteering for many organizations in town, including the Chest where she served on the board for more than two terms and is now an overseer.
It was this involvement that allowed her to understand and appreciate the thoroughness of the allocations process—and to assure her that donor dollars are used carefully to support those member agencies providing the best services in the most efficient manner. As a board member of an agency receiving Chest funds, then, Elizabeth gained an appreciation for the accountability required of any agency receiving Chest support. The Berks consider the Chest to be a Concord-Carlisle “treasure,” one that makes the community—and everyone in it—stronger.
Harriet and Gene Parish
Harriet and Gene Parish moved to Concord 57 years ago, raised three children who are now in their 50's, and have four granddaughters. The Parishes began giving to the Community Chest 35 years ago, and have continued to donate every year since. "We believe in what you do," Harriet explains. "Giving to organizations that really need help—whatever their mission is."
Now retired, Gene was a mechanical engineer and worked for Arthur D. Little for more than 20 years. Harriet was a homemaker until her children were in high school, and then worked for the Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Education program for 15 years before retiring. Both have done considerable volunteer work for the Concord Council on Aging, FISH, and the Trinitarian Congregational Church.
Prior to living in Concord, the Parish's lived in Boston and donated to the United Way, but after moving to Concord, their giving preferences changed. "We prefer to give locally and like the idea of writing one check, knowing it will go to agencies we are familiar with."
Jack and Cynthia LaMothe
Jack and Cynthia LaMothe moved to Concord 36 years ago to raise their kids, all of whom attended the Concord public schools and played town sports. The LaMothes started giving to the Community Chest right away, and have given every year since. They sought out the organization as they wanted to become involved in and support their new community—and they knew that by giving one gift to the Chest, they could feel confident that their money would be going to support good causes.
"Giving to the Community Chest is a trusted way to give one gift to a carefully selected and researched group of needy organizations, most of which are related to Concord," says Cynthia.
The pair felt so strongly about the Chest that Jack got even more involved, joining the board in the late 1970s, running the annual campaign, and serving as president.
Sharon Spaulding
"I believe the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest is an extremely worthwhile organization because it supports such a wide range of local charities—from the Minute Man Arc to FISH, the Girl Scouts, Restorative Justice, and more. The Chest interviews and questions the charities to determine how the funds will be used most appropriately, and provides insight and advice to make the fund recipients stronger; it is a partnership of commitment all the way around. The Chest is well run on a small administrative budget with able and strong leaders, Astrid Williams and Stephanie Parish, and caring, concerned people from the community."
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