LHS Class of 1980 event raises $2,350 for GLCF scholarship fund

Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Lowell High School (LHS) Class of 1980 recently raised $2,350 for its GLCF Scholarship Fund at ‘Meat Bingo 2025.’ 

According to a recent New York Times article, ‘Meat Bingo’ events have gained popularity as a fundraising tool for nonprofits. The typical call out of ‘BINGO!’ to win cash has been replaced by ‘MEAT!’  to win choice cuts of meat, themed gift baskets, gift cards and lottery scratch tickets.

“We call ourselves the ‘Famous Class of 1980’ because we believe that is who we truly are. It’s wild how generous everyone is with donations and time,” said event committee member Laurel Sykes Millett, adding. “We want to pay it forward to help students with college expenses. All my kids went to Lowell High and received fantastic scholarships. I understand and appreciate this generosity and need.” 

Since 2018, Marian Funaro Silk ’80, along with Millett, has coordinated these events with classmates, raising over $12,000 for the Class of 1980 scholarship fund. The class will award a $1,750 scholarship at the LHS 2025 Honors Night in May.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 400 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of almost $60 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $35 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption: LHS Class of 1980 event organizers Marian Funaro Silk, left, with Laurel Sykes Millett.

GLCF to Host Annual Meeting on June 10, Featuring Keynote on the Power of Building Community

Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, will present “The Power of Building Community” at GLCF’s Annual Meeting on June 10.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 10, at UMass Lowell Coburn Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The evening will begin with a reception and networking at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. The keynote speaker, Kendra Bauer, a longtime educator at Lowell High School, will present “The Power of Building Community.”

A dedicated teacher for 22 years, Bauer specializes in courses on race, gender, and identity in literature, as well as Early College and Dual Enrollment programs. She is also an adjunct professor at UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College. Beyond the classroom, she leads the Lowell High Outdoor Adventures Club and serves as faculty advisor for Students Making Change, a student-led anti-racist initiative.

In her keynote, Bauer will share her experiences in fostering community within the classroom and beyond. From guiding students through challenging texts to leading outdoor adventures and supporting youth activism, she will explore the importance of trust, connection, and strong relationships in empowering young people and creating meaningful change.

Join GLCF for an evening of inspiration, connection, and community impact.

For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation or to register for the Annual Meeting, visit: www.glcfoundation.org/event/am25/.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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GLCF Opens Discretionary Grants Cycle on March 18

Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is pleased to announce that its 2025 Discretionary Grants Cycle will open on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, offering funding opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents in its 21-community service area. GLCF’s Discretionary Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington.

This year, GLCF has adopted Philanthropy MA’s Common Grant Application, streamlining the application process for nonprofits. “GLCF is committed to strengthening our nonprofit community through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs in Greater Lowell,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “By adopting Philanthropy MA’s Common Grant Application, we are making the process more accessible and efficient for our nonprofit partners, allowing them to focus more on their missions and less on paperwork. We encourage organizations to explore these funding opportunities and collaborate in ways that enhance services for our community.”

Strategic Grant Categories

Funding in the 2025 Discretionary Grants Cycle will focus on three key areas:

  • Leclair Elder Services
  • Children’s Services
  • LGBTQ+ Services

Key Application Considerations:

  • To encourage collaboration, a nonprofit may apply as a lead applicant in one category and serve as a partner on other grant proposals.
  • Agencies with multiple service locations should submit one application that encompasses all sites.
  • Grant requests of up to $10,000 will be considered.

Application Information

Nonprofits interested in applying can review the grant guidelines at: www.glcfoundation.org/for-nonprofits/grants/. Grant proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.

For more information, please visit www.glcfoundation.org or contact grants@glcfoundation.org.

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Caption: Thanks in part to the 2024 Greater Lowell Community Foundation discretionary grant, Lowell Youth Leadership Program (LYLP) was able to increase the number of attendees from 150 Lowell youth ages 10 – 16 in 2023 to 180 in 2024. 2024 LYLP Summer campers and team.

Fashion Event raises $4,000 for civic-minded GLCF’s LHS scholarship

Lowell, Mass. – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced that $4,000 was raised at a Fall Fashion Show to benefit the Maria Olimpia Meza ‘MOM’ Scholarship Fund to support Lowell High School seniors further their education. The fund was established with GLCF in 2020 by Maria Vejar, who wanted to honor her Mother who held strong values in family, education and community service. Along with financial need, students being considered for the scholarship must be actively involved with community service.

A single mother of four children, Maria Olimpia Meza came to the United States in 1975 from Ecuador where she worked as a top female postmaster. “My Mother left a very prestigious position to come to the United States. She gave up her success in Ecuador so her daughters could fulfill their own success here,” said Maria Vejar.

Vejar made good on her Mother’s wish. The first in her family to graduate college, she earned a Doctorate in Urban Leadership in Education from Cambridge College. The final 26 years of her long career in education was as a teacher and House Dean at Lowell High School (LHS). Many in downtown Lowell know of Maria Vejar for her infectious personality and for her passion for giving back to the Lowell community.

After teaching, Vejar opened Galeria De Los Andes Boutique in downtown Lowell and became actively involved in the Downtown Business Association. She hosted a 2024 Fall Fashion Show to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the boutique and to increase funds for the MOM scholarship. The show featured 30 community leaders wearing styles from their own culture, along with current fashions from the boutique. The event raised $4,000 to help support LHS seniors who are active in serving the local community. The annual LHS Awards Nights is held each May.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption One: Maria Vejar, right, arrives in the United State in 1975 from Ecuador with her Mother, Maria Olimpia Meza, the inspiration for the ‘Mom’ Scholarship for Lowell High Seniors.

Caption Two: Maria Vejar hosted a 2024 Fall Fashion Show to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her downtown Lowell  boutique and to increase funds for the MOM scholarship. The show featured 30 community leaders wearing styles from their own culture, along with current fashions from the boutique. Community leaders Vanna Howard and Bopha Boutselis on the runway.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation to Host LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch on June 7

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is proud to announce the upcoming LGBTQ+ Fund Brunch, which will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at Cobblestones in Lowell. This annual event aims to raise vital funds for the GLCF’s endowed LGBTQ+ Fund, which supports nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Lowell.

The brunch will feature delicious food, lively music by DJ Mocha, and an opportunity to connect with others in the community to celebrate PRIDE and show support for the local LGBTQ+ population. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the LGBTQ+ Fund, ensuring that resources and services remain available for individuals in need.

The LGBTQ+ Fund, which was established in June 2023, is an endowed fund designed to provide annual financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Lowell. These organizations offer essential services and programs for the LGBTQ+ community, including legal assistance, healthcare, educational resources, advocacy, and other high-demand services.

“We are thrilled to host this brunch to not only raise funds but to also unite the Greater Lowell community in support of our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO, Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Fund is a crucial resource in ensuring that the services the community needs are available for years to come. We encourage everyone to join us for a meaningful and fun celebration.”

The first grants from the LGBTQ+ Fund will be distributed this year, marking a significant step forward in providing much-needed support to local LGBTQ+ organizations. The grant cycle opens on March 18.

To support this event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the GLCF webpage at https://glcfoundation.info/LGBTQ25.

For additional information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and grant opportunities, please visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation: Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption: 2024 GLCF LGBTQ+ fund benefit brunch inside Cobblestones Restaurant in Lowell on June 15, 2024. Front row, from left: Fatima Al-Muntafik and Triana Wilson from History UnErased, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, History UnErased founder Deb Fowler, GLCF Vice President Jennifer Aradhya, Susu Wong, Elisia Saab, Mark Saab, and Alana Saab. Back row, from left: Chris Marino and Danny Roberts from History UnErased, and GLCF President Jay Linnehan.

TMHS Students Embrace Financial Education and Philanthropy, Supporting Tewksbury Community Pantry through GLCF

TMHS Class of 2026 recently participated in the “Credit for Life” financial fair, an interactive financial simulation designed to give students a realistic look at budgeting, saving, and spending. From left: TMHS Principal Andy Long, DECA student Cam Guendner (Cam Kingston not shown), Trisha Keddie (Tewksbury Food Pantry), Mary Kelleher (CTBE Lead Teacher), Gratia Gosselin (Tewksbury Federal Credit Union), and Karen McCloskey (Greater Lowell Community Foundation.)

Tewksbury, MA – The Tewksbury Memorial High School Class of 2026 recently participated in the “Credit for Life” financial fair, an interactive financial simulation designed to give students a realistic look at budgeting, saving, and spending. A collaborative effort by Tewksbury Federal Credit Union, the TMHS Career, Technical, Business and Education Department, and student leaders, this financial simulation allowed students to navigate real-world financial decisions such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, as well as charitable giving.

As part of the event, students had the opportunity to vote for a nonprofit to receive a donation from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). The students selected the Tewksbury Community Pantry, which received a $1,000 Philanthropic Impact Award on behalf of the TMHS Class of 2026.

“This program highlights how philanthropy and community involvement can be integrated into financial choices,” Jay Linnehan, shared GLCF’s president and CEO shared. “We hope this $1,000 Impact Award inspires students to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of philanthropy in our lives. I’m thrilled to see the students embracing both their financial literacy and their involvement in supporting important causes in their community like the Tewksbury Community Pantry.”

Through this initiative, students not only gained invaluable financial skills but also explored how they can contribute to causes that matter to them, whether it’s an investment of their time or their money. We are excited to see how this experience will shape their philanthropic endeavors. Read more about the event in the Tewksbury Town Crier.

For more information on the philanthropic programs at Greater Lowell Community Foundation, please visit www.glcfoundation.org or call 978-970-1600.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation: Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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A Night of Comedy Raises $8,300 for the Chelmsford Community Fund

Chelmsford, MA – The Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) was filled with laughter and goodwill on Saturday, January 25 as “A Night of Comedy” brought together top-notch comedians and generous supporters to benefit the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Chelmsford Community Fund. The event raised an impressive $8,300 with all proceeds directed toward local community initiatives that improve the quality of life in Chelmsford.

The evening featured a stellar lineup of local comedians, including:

  • Steve Sweeney, who brought his signature wit and charm to the stage, with credits like Back to School, Me, Myself & Irene, and appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman.
  • Paul Gilligan, a well-known comedian on NESN’s Dirty Water TV and Charlie Moore Outdoors, who has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy.
  • Paul Nardizzi, whose performances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Evening at the Improv kept the audience in stitches.

“We’re thrilled to have raised over $8,000 for the Chelmsford Community Fund,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s president and CEO. “The event was not only a night of great comedy but also a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve when we come together to support local causes.”

The success of the event was made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors, who are instrumental in supporting both the event and the ongoing work of the Chelmsford Community Fund. The following sponsors were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

  • Platinum Sponsors: John and Linda Chemaly; Jack and Terry O’Connor; John and Elaine Thibault 
  • Gold Sponsors: Chelmsford Police Athletic League; Four Oaks Country Club; Pridestar Trinity EMS 
  • Silver Sponsors: Enterprise Bank; Gallant & Ervin, L.L.C.; Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union 

“We are so grateful to our sponsors and attendees who made this event a success,” said John Chemaly, Chelmsford Community Fund steering committee. “The funds raised will go a long way in supporting nonprofits and community initiatives that make Chelmsford a better place for everyone.”

Established in 2018, the Chelmsford Community Fund raises resources to grant exclusively to Chelmsford-based nonprofits and organizations serving people in our town. Grants are focused on alleviating the effects of poverty, battling addiction, reducing hunger and homelessness, and providing kids with access to healthy after-school activities. For more information on the Chelmsford Community Fund and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, please visit www.glcfoundation.org.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation: Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption: On January 25, GLCF hosted a Night of Comedy to benefit the Chelmsford Community Fund. Pictured from left: Comedians Paul Gilligan and Paul Nardizzi with GLCF president and CEO Jay Linnehan, Chelmsford Community Fund’s John Chemaly with emcee Gary Leavitt.

Women Working Wonders Awards $10,000 in Mini Grants for 2025

Lowell, MA –  The Women Working Wonders Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the awarding of $10,000 in mini grants to deserving nonprofits impacting the lives of women and girls in Greater Lowell.

“Through these mini grants, as well as our annual summer grant cycle, Women Working Wonders fulfills our mission to empower women and girls by providing vital funding to the frontline organizations breaking down barriers and lifting up the women and girls we serve,” said Marcia Cassidy, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “Now more than ever, our philanthropy and commitment are needed in the Greater Lowell community.”

The 2025 mini grants, each for $2,000, were awarded to:

• Alternative House (Lowell): Addressing Food Insecurities with Victims of Domestic Violence

• Angkor Dance Troupe (Lowell): Leadership Development through Costuming Workshop

• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell: “Making Proud Choices!” Program

• Project Kompass (North Chelmsford): Back to Basics Home Economics Workshops

• The Wish Project (North Chelmsford): Mother’s Day Gift Bags for Low-Income Women

Women Working Wonders provides annual grants in three key areas: assisting women in transition, providing leadership development for women and girls, and contributing to the beautification of the environment to benefit women and girls. Founded in 2004, the fund has awarded more than $524,000 in grants to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area. Learn more at www.womenworkingwondersfund.com.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation: Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $70 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption: 2025 Women Working Wonders mini grant recipient, Angkor Dance Troupe received funding for Leadership Development through Costuming Workshop. An Angkor Dance Troupe dancer performs at GLCF’s 2023 Celebrate Giving event.

GLCF Provides Holiday Support for Local Nonprofits

Lowell, MA – The festive spirit of the holiday season was in full swing throughout the month of December as the Greater Lowell Community Foundations (GLCF) Grants Team visited local organizations. Through the annual Holiday Support for Greater Lowell Nonprofits grants, five local nonprofits received mini-grants of $1,000 each to assist with unanticipated needs that occur during the holiday season.

2024 GLCF Holiday Support Grants:

  • Aaron’s Presents (Greater Lowell)
  • Boys and Girls Club of Greater Billerica 
  • Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell 
  • Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
  • Westford Food Pantry

“These grants extend the spirit of philanthropy to some Greater Lowell nonprofit partners when the need is great,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President and CEO. “It is only through the generosity of our donors that we can strengthen our community and invest in a brighter holiday season.”

Last year, GLCF distributed more than $4.3 million in grants distributed to 243 nonprofits to improve the quality of life for those in need. For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $65 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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PHOTO: GLCF_BGCGL.jpg

CAPTION: GLCF recently delivered Holiday Support for Greater Lowell Nonprofits grants to five local nonprofits including Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell (BGCGL). From left: GLCF’s Jennifer Aradhya, BGCGL Executive Director Joe Hungler, BGCGL Deputy Executive Director JuanCarlos Rivera, and GLCF’s Maria Papandreou at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell.

How Two Simple Words – Thank You – Turned a One-Year Karamanolis Scholarship into a Four-Year Award for an LHS Grad

Lowell, MA – Sophia Gikas, LHS’24, was sound asleep last Monday when she received a call from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Controller, Janinne Nocco, letting her know her recent scholarship was just extended for three more years – sophomore through senior year at UMASS Lowell. 

She was thrilled and surprised when Gikas was awarded the $5,000 Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship in May 2024 to pursue a nursing degree. “I didn’t open the envelope until I went to supper with my family. When I saw the amount, I cried as I had been budgeting my money to pay for college, working weekly at Market Basket to meet my financial goal. This scholarship gave me a huge relief to know I could pay more attention to school now and not work so much to pay for the upcoming year.”

The Karamanolis Scholarship, funded by a bequest, is given to a graduating senior of Greek descent with a 3.3 GPA or above and financial need. Sophia used this award to complement her nursing studies and complete a critical licensed EMT course with Pridestar/Trinity of Lowell. She currently works transporting patients to and from home to the hospital or a nursing home. Sophia continues to work at Market Basket, having been employed there for the past three years. 

However, the thank you letter she sent Maria Recco, Mr. Karamanolis’ niece and scholarship administrator, cinched the additional three years. “I wanted the donor to know who I was and how grateful I was that there was a generous stranger who wanted to help me. I applied for the Karamanolis Scholarship because I fit the criteria. Here was an opportunity in front of me, and I would never know what would come of it if I didn’t apply.” 

Ms. Recco, very much impressed by the “thank you” and insight into this young woman, decided, “Because Sophia truly embodies the spirit of this award – bright, compassionate, and deeply committed to her community, she exemplifies its values in all she does. It speaks volumes that the first thing she did with the funds was earn her EMT certification.”

When asked, “Who or what has inspired you?” Sophia replied, “If I had to choose the individual who has inspired me the most, I would say my mother. Her dedication, empathy, and passion for her job inspired me to become a nurse. She works hard and sacrifices so much for her children, and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I could have without her constant support. Her ability to balance being a mother, working full time, and still going back to school is a strength I hope to exhibit one day.

Similarly, if I had to pick what has inspired me, I would say knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. I think there is no better feeling than knowing you’ve impacted somebody else’s life, big or small! Whether it’s at my Market Basket or EMS job, helping out a stranger, or even just checking in on a friend I haven’t seen in a while, knowing that what I’m doing could help somebody out drives me to work hard every day.”

Reflecting on her LHS education, she said, “LHS is such an amazing school because it has many opportunities. I took advantage of their Dual Enrollment and Early College programs, which allow students to earn college credit directly in high school. Additionally, I participated in rigorous and challenging courses, the TRIO program, tennis, which helped me build teamwork skills, and other extracurriculars like the Random Acts of Kindness Club or National Honor Society. 

However, band is where I came out of my shell thanks to the amazing director, Jared Logan, and the community I found there! I’ve been playing trumpet since 6th grade, marimba since 11th grade, and singing as long as I can remember.”

Sophia’s goal is to complete her nursing degree at UMASS Lowell, get some experience in an ICU, and eventually become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Sophia’s philosophy is simple and profound: “There are good people out there in the world who want to help you. If there is an opportunity in front of you, take it! Later in life, you can do the same and pay it forward.”

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of overnearly $65 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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Caption: GLCF recently delivered the news to Sophia Gikas that her recent scholarship was just extended for three more years – sophomore through senior year at UMASS Lowell thanks to the generosity of the Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship administered at the foundation. From left, GLCF’s controller Janinne Nocco, scholarship recipient Sophia Gikas and GLCF’s president and CEO Jay Linnehan.