Dear Friends,

Bostonians have always strived to uphold freedom and civil rights, and this past month brought a significant reminder of what these principles still mean to us today. On April 26^th, we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and 22,000 others marched on Boston Common in protest of racial inequality in housing and schools, still fundamental issues six decades later.

In his speech on the Common, Dr. King urged Boston to become a “testing ground for the ideal of freedom.” This is indeed a daily goal of The Lenny Zakim Fund as we seek out and support local grassroots organizations that are developing community programs to address social justice issues.

As Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King, III, emphasized on Boston Common last month, we still have a long way to go, but it doesn’t mean there hasn’t been progress. It means, he told the crowd, “that we have to quadruple our efforts . . . so let’s get to work.”

What was particularly moving to me, as someone who attended the Rally, was not the notable speakers or their inspiring remarks, but the many leaders of LZF's current and former grantee partners who were also there. Seeing them was a powerful reminder of the incredible three decades of progress we have made together to advance social, racial, and economic justice in communities throughout eastern Massachusetts. The opportunity to exchange a wave, a smile, or when possible a warm embrace and a brief word with them was both comforting and uplifting.

I left the Rally filled with hope and inspiration, ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Will you join me?

In solidarity, 

Allison E. Picott  

Executive Director 

Recently Crestwood Advisors was recognized by Focus Financial Partners for some growth milestones. This recognition was accompanied by a donation from Focus Financial to a charitable organization of Crestwood's choosing: The Lenny Zakim Fund! We would like to thank Focus Financial and Crestwood Advisors and express our sincere gratitude

to them for their generosity and to recognize LZF board member, Michael Eckton of Crestwood Advisors for making this gift possible!

Thank you and congratulations to Crestwood Advisors!

Help LZF to Light the Night and

Be a Part of the Celebration!

On Saturday, September 6^th, The Lenny Zakim Fund is hosting a fun and festive evening in recognition of our 30 years supporting grassroots organizations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

We invite you to partner with us as a sponsor of this second annual event that celebrates our community impact and raises critical funds. Through your generous contribution, you’ll receive valuable visibility among our community of local leaders, philanthropists, and activists.

For more information click the button below or contact Director of Development Carla Beaudoin at cbeaudoin@thelennyzakimfund.org.

LZF Grantee Partner Spotlight:

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

LZF Deputy Director Tiffany Lau (pictured left) and Grants Administrator Madelyn Vining (pictured right) recently had the opportunity to help serve a meal at the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen with Executive Director Sandra Nijjar (pictured center). “Sandra’s leadership is evident in the warm, welcoming environment and the strong sense of community she’s built,” Madelyn said, adding, “Her impact goes far beyond meals, with thoughtful practices like celebrating guests’ birthdays that reflect the deep care at the heart of their work.”

“I'm beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to EBCSK's work,” Tiffany said, “and to see Sandra's extraordinary empathy and leadership in action. "Volunteering at EBCSK made clear for me the increased demand for food and housing in these challenging times, and I'm grateful to be a part of LZF's efforts supporting EBCSK and their vital work."

Click here to read more about Sandra and EBCSK in this month’s Spotlight.

About The Lenny Zakim Fund

The Lenny Zakim Fund is a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit organization that relies 100% on the generosity of our donors to support our annual operating budget, which includes our annual grants program. Since its founding in 1995, The Fund has awarded over $13 million in grants to nearly 400 grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts.

For more information about The Lenny Zakim Fund, visit www.thelennyzakimfund.org.