2008 Annual Report - Greater Worcester Community Foundation

The Argitis Family Fund
A grateful family nurtures its hometown
O
moved to Sturbridge. The town has been their cherished
home ever since.
2004 and they have already awarded 38 grants—all to local
organizations that have touched their family in some way.
the board at G&F Industries, his family’s precision plastic
molding company in Sturbridge. “Donating locally through
the Foundation, we see how our money is put to use in our
community.”
Among the grantees of the donor-advised fund is Old
Sturbridge Village, where the couple spent many hours with
an overseer. Other grantees include their sons’ school, Saint
and St. Patrick Parish; and the Mercy Centre—where a niece
teaches students with developmental disabilities.
“Our town has been very good to us,” says Ann Marie. In
2001, a fire shut down the plant at G&F Industries; but with
the help of family, friends and employees, the company
rebuilt its facility within a year. “Our entire community
came together to help us out,” says Ann Marie. “You don’t
forget that.”
Foundation is as direct, personal and simple as their
approach to philanthropy. “We make decisions regarding
our donations as a family,” says Ann Marie, “and the
Foundation does the rest. We have confidence in the
Foundation and its entire staff.”
advisors. “It’s comforting to know that after our lifetime,”
Ann Marie and John Argitis strengthen cherished local organizations
such as Old Sturbridge Village through the Argitis Family Fund.
Donating locally through the Foundation, we see how our money is put to use in our community.
John Argitis
Greater Worcester Community Foundation 08 ANNUAL REPORT 7