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May 17, 2010
Squash, anyone?
As a former teacher, it’s incredibly important to me that our younger generation is provided with every opportunity to develop into mature, successful adults. That’s why I’m so proud of Grand Circle Foundation’s long-standing support for SquashBusters, an innovative afterschool program that combines the game of squash with academic tutoring and community service for inner city youth.
This year, we’ve decided to do something a little different: For the first time in SquashBusters’ history, we’ll be sponsoring a team of 28 middle school students from the Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, Massachusetts—the first-ever corporate sponsorship of a specific team. Our contribution of $50,000 will cover the team’s operating costs for the entire year.
On March 24, we invited our sixth-grade team to Grand Circle’s Boston headquarters. Alan and I shared with the students how we worked with our dear friend, Greg Zaff, 14 years ago to first get involved in the program. We discussed the importance of teamwork and leadership with the team—and Alan simply had to quiz the students about their knowledge of the game of squash. I couldn’t resist asking them about their favorite school subjects. (I guess it’s the always and forever teacher side of me!) The youngsters also had the chance to meet Grand Circle associates (including Chief Architect/Executive Vice President, Mark Frevert—pictured below—with some of the students), tour the building, and watch a video to learn more about Grand Circle Foundation.
I think the children really enjoyed themselves—as evidenced by the heartfelt thank you letters they sent to the Foundation after their visit. (Read a few of the letters sent by our SquashBusters’ students in our News & Views section.)
I look forward to a wonderful year as a SquashBusters team sponsor—and hopefully the beginning of many more.
Harriet Lewis