Peggy Friend
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.
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.
Jean Crowley
Jean Coduri Crowley represented all that is good in the Westerly Public Schools. Starting out in the trenches, my mom was an educator, a union steward, one of the first facilitators of an elementary school in our district , and finally an administrator. Jean’s legacy goes deeper than just her titles. She cared about ALL. Her lifelong passion was to give back and her generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was a family in need, or a student forgetting lunch money, my mom could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. She could be seen at fundraisers, hot dog roasts, football games; wherever she could help out, she was there.
The establishment of this scholarship fund represents all that my mom was. It is open to any and all persons in the Westerly Public Schools community who might need a helping hand. For example, any WPS district employee may make a request for something needed for their classroom., program, or particular student in need. Scholarships will also be awarded to graduating seniors. Through this scholarship fund, her legacy will live on.
The establishment of this scholarship fund represents all that my mom was. It is open to any and all persons in the Westerly Public Schools community who might need a helping hand. For example, any WPS district employee may make a request for something needed for their classroom., program, or particular student in need. Scholarships will also be awarded to graduating seniors. Through this scholarship fund, her legacy will live on.
Joseph Cugini
Joseph Cugini has been an extraordinary man in the Westerly community throughout his life. He was head of the Westerly Community Credit Union for many years and was the one who spearheaded the Westerly Community Credit Union Christmas Basketball Tournament. Recently Joe celebrated his 88th birthday and when his celebration specified NO gifts, Gerard and Debbie Ventresca couldn't go empty handed. So how did they recognize such an extraordinary man? They made a donation to WEEF to celebrate his 88th birthday!
They wanted to celebrate his birthday in a meaningful way, so, they decided that their special gift would be to donate to the Westerly Education Endowment Fund (WEEF) recognizing Joe's lifetime commitment to the community and to the children of Westerly. The children of Westerly are our legacy, the promise of tomorrow, and enriching their potential is the purpose of this fund. Debbie & Gerard couldn't think of a better present to give then to celebrate such an extraordinary man by contributing to the future success of the community he loves so much.
Thank you Mr. Cugini for all you have done for the children of Westerly and thank you Debbie & Gerard for choosing WEEF as your vehicle to honor such a wonderful man!
They wanted to celebrate his birthday in a meaningful way, so, they decided that their special gift would be to donate to the Westerly Education Endowment Fund (WEEF) recognizing Joe's lifetime commitment to the community and to the children of Westerly. The children of Westerly are our legacy, the promise of tomorrow, and enriching their potential is the purpose of this fund. Debbie & Gerard couldn't think of a better present to give then to celebrate such an extraordinary man by contributing to the future success of the community he loves so much.
Thank you Mr. Cugini for all you have done for the children of Westerly and thank you Debbie & Gerard for choosing WEEF as your vehicle to honor such a wonderful man!
