Eastern States donation pushes trust fund beyond $3 million
Date: 4/11/2014
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD – A recent donation to the Big E/West Springfield Trust Fund marked the largest contribution the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) since the trust was established in 1994.
At a press conference that took place on April 8 at the Town Hall, the ESE presented a check for $211,704, bringing the trust total to $3.09 million. The amount represented 1 percent of the ESE’s gross revenue in 2013. Mayor Edward Sullivan, ESE Chairman of the Board Donald Chase and Attorney Mary Paier Powers serve as the trustees for the fund.
The trust monies are given to community organizations in the form of grants to support education initiatives and programs serving the youth and seniors of the community. Last year, $72,000 in grants was allotted to various organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield, the Majestic Theatre, West Springfield High School and the Park & Recreation Department.
Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the ESE, said, “I’m very, very proud to lead this organization. I’m proud to be part of the community. There are few people that are in this position to be able to represent core values for the community the way [the] ESE does. Few people can compare to the great feeling of pride that we have at the Eastern States as citizens of West Springfield.”
Sullivan said, “Let me say on behalf of the town that we are delighted to have the ESE and the fair as neighbors. We are thrilled to have this money.”
Applications for the 2014 round of grants will be available from the mayor’s office beginning April 11.
