Latham Centers expresses gratitude to Figawi Charities

Latham Centers was selected as a 2018 beneficiary charity by the Board of Directors of Figawi Charities, Inc., and we couldn’t be happier about being a part of Figawi! This marks the second year that Latham was included among the 20 local charities to receive a portion of the funds that were raised through private donations and sponsors from the annual Figawi Ball, which accompanies the famed sailboat race across Nantucket Sound.

At the September 26th “Night of Giving” event held at Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, President of Figawi Charities Leo Fein said, “We are deeply committed to making a difference right here on Cape Cod. More than $50,000 was awarded to charities that improve the quality of life of Cape and Islands residents.” Latham received a grant of $1,000 to support the Expanding our Circle campaign for the new Latham Community Center.

Latham’s relationship with Figawi Charities was fostered by Kris Albano, Administrative Assistant at Latham who has served as a volunteer on the Figawi Ball Committee for four years. This year, Kris worked closely with Latham’s Children’s Services staff members Fred Walters and Melissa Bertrand — and the talented students in our LathamWorks vocational program — to create a unique silent auction item to be presented to bidders at the 32nd annual Figawi Charity Ball. Our students crafted, sanded, and painted a specialty “Mystery Box” which contained items donated from area businesses as well as items from LathamWorks such as the program’s signature herbal soaps. The Mystery Box was paired with a LathamWorks handcrafted American Flag featuring the iconic Figawi logo. Combined bids on both items raised over $700.

“This has been a labor of love for me,” Kris said. “I was so proud of the work that the kids did under Fred and Melissa’s supervision. I feel so strongly about letting the community know about the work that we do at Latham. This is a special partnership that we have with Figawi. Our students got a chance to give back to our Cape Cod community through the gift of their time and talents.”

Heather Kelsey, Director of Development, was on hand at the event to accept the check on behalf of Latham. “We are so thrilled to be a part of this iconic Cape Cod event and we are grateful to Figawi Charities for investing in the work that we do and the individuals we serve.”

Pictured at the Night of Giving event: L-R Chris Kelsey, Chair, Figawi Ball; Kris Albano, Administrative Assistant, Latham Centers; and Heather Kelsey, Director of Development, Latham Centers.