WESTERLY EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND
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The Business and Professional Fund

Understanding the way our economic system operates and how it affects each and every citizen is an important educational objective. Contributions to this fund will further the understanding and appreciation of the professional and business world economy. It will support projects in, but not limited to, economics, finance, law, management, marketing, insurance and human resources. In particular, it will support operating a virtual enterprise and creative collaboration in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and national corporations located locally.

About the Business and Professional Development Fund

When Phil Friend lost his wife of 25 years, he felt compelled to do something that would keep her memory alive. Peggy Friend was a woman who wore many hats. She was a loving mother of four who remained very active in the daily operations of her parents' business while she raised her family. She later went on to work in the real estate business and became a highly successful real estate agent.  Peggy was the epitome of grace and always gave 110% no matter what cards she was dealt. So when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her hard work ethic did not waiver, she was readily there for her family and she fought her battle with cancer like a true warrior . She was a strong supporter of education and when she ultimately lost her battle, Phil was determined to do something in her memory that would reflect all of her hard work and values.

For many years, Phil and friends, Tommy and Nadine DiPaolo, gave a scholarship to a graduating senior in Peggy's honor. Although Phil was pleased to give scholarships, he yearned for the effort to have greater perpetuity.  When the WEEF board came up with the naming concept, it seemed appropriate to make a commitment. Phil committed $10,000 to the Business & Professional Development Fund over three years so that awards from this fund would carry Peggy's name. His hope was that grants from this fund would help students develop some of the same attributes his wife had -  good common sense, good business sense, extraordinary sales ability, strong communication skills and the ability to close a deal.

The Peggy Friend Business and Professional Development Fund has grown to be the largest of all directed funds thanks to the generosity of Phil, his family, friends and an entire community rallying to honor Peggy. The Friend Family was the first to take advantage of the naming opportunity for a specific directed fund and as a result, have established a legacy of giving. If you would like to learn more about naming opportunities for directed giving funds, please fill out our contact form.

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WEEF IS A CERTIFIED 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. Annual Appeal donations are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. 100% of your Annual Appeal donation will be invested in our endowment and yearly earnings will be used for grants. All donations will go to the General Fund unless one of the following Directed Funds is designated in the check out screen: Science & Technology Fund, Performing Arts Fund, Literacy Fund, Business & Professional Development Fund or Student Education Initiative Fund.  
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Westerly Education Endowment Fund
P.O. Box 1219, Westerly, RI 02891
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (401) 315-1500 Ext. 1319
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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Quick Facts About WEEF
    • Board Members
    • Contact
  • Grants
    • WEEF Grants >
      • 2022-2023 Grants
      • 2021-2022 Grants
      • 2020-2021 Grants
      • 2019-2020 Grants
    • Apply for a Grant
    • Grant Naming Opportunities
    • Grant Recipient's Progress Report
  • Events
    • Bowl-A-Thon
    • WEEF Blue & White Celebration
    • WEEF Cabaret 2022
    • WEEF Cabaret 2018
  • Donate
    • Grant Naming Opportunities
    • Directed Giving >
      • Business and Professional Development Fund
      • Literacy Fund
      • Performing Arts Fund
      • Student Education Initiative Fund
    • Community
  • Photos
    • Blue and White Event Photos
    • WEEF Cabaret 2022
    • WEEF Cabaret 2018
    • Bubbleology
    • Hope Road Benefit Concert
    • Trivia Night
    • Tower Street Community Center
    • Comic Relief With WEEF Photos
  • Board Members