The Lebowitz Room at the Morse Institute Library was filled with a sense of shared purpose last week as the Rotary Club of Natick hosted its annual grant luncheon to celebrate over $10,000 in grants to a dozen local nonprofits, each working to address critical needs ranging from food insecurity to inclusive recreation.
Rotary Club of Natick and grant recipients gather at the Morse Library.The event was more than just a formal presentation; it was a showcase of the “incredible work happening right here,” according to Rotary president Eileen Fitz. Representatives from the recipient organizations went to the mic to share how the financial awards will be translated into direct action for the community.
Food security emerged as a major theme of the presentation. Rebecca Gallo of A Place to Turn spoke about the organization’s mission to provide food access across 12 communities, highlighting the Mobile Market initiative. Similarly, Rachel Vingsness of the Natick Service Council detailed how the grant would help buy essential fresh produce, meat, and dairy for 900 Natick households currently facing financial hardship.
For those seeking both a meal and meaningful social connection, Natick Open Door continues to be a lifeline. Joan and John Bace, along with Kelly Crane, said that the grant would help cover facility rent at the Natick Elks Club, and materials for their free community dinners.
Grant support also helps ensures every resident can participate fully in community life. Angela Snell and Josh Ostroff of All Aboard Natick shared the success of their adaptive cycling program on the Cochituate Rail Trail. An event earlier this month drew over 30 riders, proving the high demand for accessible outdoor recreation.
Education and youth development were also at the forefront. Deb Sayre and Diane Young of Kids Connect described their K-12 tutoring center as a “life-changing” space for youths in need of structure and positive academic support. Meanwhile, Kirstie Beaton and Casey Townsend of the Natick Community Organic Farm announced that their grant would go directly to the Farm’s scholarship fund, ensuring that children from all financial backgrounds can learn the origins of their food on the South Natick farm.
The spirit of advocacy was represented by Michelle Marotta, speaking for both the MLK Dream Team and SPARK Kindness. Marotta said that the funds would support ASL interpretation and speaker fees for community events designed to foster a welcoming, resilient, and just environment.
“This grant helps us sustain programs that create social connection and support mental health,” Marotta said.
By the end of the luncheon, it was clear that while the $10,000 will provide the fuel, it is the dedication of these dozen organizations that continues to drive the MetroWest community forward.
Next up for Rotary
EVENT: The Repair Cafe
DATE/TIME: May 3, 2pm-5pm
LOCATION: Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street
DESCRIPTION: The Repair Cafe helps folks by fixing appliances, lamps, bicycles, etc that folks can bring in for free to be checked and hopefully repaired to keep them from being thrown away.
EVENT: Tour de Natick (friendly cycling event)—Sunday, June 21 (Fathers Day)
TIME: Check-in is at 10am, with the ride starting at 11am
LOCATION: begins and ends at Natick Common
DESCRIPTION: The Rotary Club of Natick’s 23rd Annual Tour de Natick is a family-friendly 6-mile cycling event. The route is an easy, family-friendly, 6-mile loop leaving The Common at 11 AM and returning for a complimentary cookout immediately following.
REGISTRATION here
