‘The power of partnerships’: First event at restored firehouse honors The Harwich Fund donors
“Welcome to the first event that’s being held at the restored firehouse,” said Brian Scheld, Chair of The Harwich Fund. “Isn’t this a wonderful facility?”
The first event held at the beautifully restored Old Bank Street Firehouse honored donors to The Harwich Fund.
Indeed, it was a magical late summer evening at the Old Bank Street Firehouse, where The Harwich Fund honored donors and celebrated five years of good work in the community. “We launched this fund in May of 2020 with the theme of ‘Harwich Helping Harwich’ and we’ve never stopped, ” said Scheld.
The Harwich Fund, a permanent endowment fund of The Cape Cod Foundation, has a mission of giving grants to nonprofit organizations doing important work in all areas of Harwich community life, including health and human services, education, arts and culture and the environment. The goal of The Harwich Fund is to strengthen the critical framework that supports and improves the Harwich community.
So far, The Harwich Fund has provided 35 grants totaling about $76,000 to organizations that make important contributions to the Harwich community. These organizations include Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT), Harwich Children’s Fund, Cape Kids Meals, the Harwich Elementary School, the Homeless Prevention Council and the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center. The Harwich Fund also recently provided a grant to the Harwich Fire Association in support of the Old Bank Street Firehouse restoration project.
The historical preservation project at the Old Bank Street Firehouse is nearing completion.
Cheerful attendees enjoyed delicious food, sparkling conversation and the good vibes that come from helping to build community. The location of the party added extra flair: the Harwich Fire Department traces its roots to the firehouse, which opened circa 1927 and remained the department’s home until the operations moved to the current facility on Sisson Rd.
The building is now owned by the Harwich Fire Association (HFA), which is nearing the finish line on a historic preservation project that includes three units of affordable housing.
Next to the firehouse lies HCT’s beautiful Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, where an ambitious eco-restoration project has transformed a retired cranberry bog into a wildlife oasis. HCT has partnered with HFA for the overall effort that has produced a community gem in the heart of Harwich Port.
“This gathering is extraordinary evidence of the power of partnerships,” said Tom Evans, President of HCT’s Board of Trustees. “We couldn’t be happier that the first gathering is for a group that has helped make this possible, the Harwich Fund. And for the Harwich Conservation Trust, working with Harwich Fire Association to help in the total project here has been absolutely wonderful.”
Mike Lach, HCT’s Executive Director, thanked The Harwich Fund donors for their contributions. “In channeling your philanthropy, you’re all creating transformative change in this community,” he said. The Harwich Fund’s grant to HCT helped with the construction of an All Persons Trail at Cold Brook, where people of all abilities can enjoy nature.
Brian Scheld, Chair of The Harwich Fund, thanks donors at an event held at the Old Bank Street Firehouse.
The Old Bank Street Firehouse restoration project is nearing the finish line, according to HFA President Bruce Young. “We need to finish up the electrical, the plumbing and the appliances in the kitchen,” said Young. “It’s been a labor of love, and such a great project. Inside, outside, it’s beautiful.”
The firehouse project has moved forward quickly this year, buoyed by significant sweat equity provided by HFA, along with Community Preservation Act Funds and Harwich Affordable Housing Trust funds.
But HFA still needs $100K to get over the finish line. An anonymous donor has pledged to match donations up to $50K toward the project, so the organization is seeking donations to help get the final touches finished. To find out more about HFA donation opportunities, visit harwichfireassociation.com.
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—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.