Ben Thorndike's Fundraising Page
Thanks for visiting my Walker fundraising page.
I made my first gift to Walker in 1987. After driving past the Needham campus countless times on my way to and from work, my curiosity led me to learn more about this organization that has been improving the lives of seriously troubled children for fifty years.
Nothing is more important to me than my own children, and as they grew older, I wanted to teach them about the importance of philanthropy and community. To help them better appreciate how fortunate we were, we began an annual tradition of dropping off presents at Walker at Christmas time—many of the children in Walker residential programs spend the holidays at the Needham campus, and some have no families of their own. So over the years we have reinforced our own blessings by giving gifts from our family to the children at Walker.
The past two decades have deeply strengthened my relationship with Walker. Along with the special education and behavioral health services provided at the Walker School in Needham, I have also learned about the Walker-affiliated Beacon High School in Watertown, which provides a therapeutic and academic program for adolescents facing serious emotional and mental health issues. Additionally, I have seen first-hand the work of the dedicated staff of Walker Partnerships, who work within public schools throughout Massachusetts providing academic and therapeutic support to struggling students. In short, I have been welcomed into the vibrant Walker community of dedicated professionals and generous friends who are committed to the work of “Teaching, Caring, and Building Hope”.
In 2007 I became president of the Walker board of directors; after more than twenty years as a Walker supporter, I view myself as the agency’s number one advocate. Believe it when I tell you that Walker changes lives—it certainly has changed mine.
I hope you choose to join me in support of Walker. To learn more and find out about the many ways you can help, please visit www.walkerschool.org
Thanks!
Ben