Grab the Torch…Teaching the Art of Philanthropy, Leadership and Ethics by Sharon Gaudreau Director of Marketing and Communications at Pomfret School A lthough Pomfret’s campus is quieter during the summer months, the dorms, classrooms and athletic fields are filled with youth attending various athletic and educational programs. A unique camp that has been offered during the past two summers – Grab the Torch – is directly aligned with Pomfret’s mission to prepare students for lives of productivity, service, and fulfillment. Founded by Dave Aldrich in 2007 and dedicated to the late Paul Newman and his Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (HITWGC) for seriously ill children, Grab the Torch (GTT) is an organization that delivers an organic and common sense approach for the future of giving, volunteering and philanthropy to the next generation. The summer camp gives students the opportunity to learn from leading philanthropists and about many service organizations. James Canton, CEO of HITWGC considers it a privilege to participate in GTT’s Philanthropy Camp. “Dave is developing a new generation of caring, young leaders. What many of us in the non-profit world have stumbled upon – the meaning and satisfaction of dedicating one’s life to the service of others – Dave is presenting as a viable option for those who attend Grab The Torch. Dave’s visionary program takes a proactive approach to change our world for the better.” Dave began working with Pomfret in 2004 with the Class of 2006 to raise money and awareness for HITWGC. The class of 2004 raised $10,000 and added 125 new members to the HITWGC family. In conjunction with this work, Bill Martin (Pomfret science teacher) led a group of students, parents and faculty who took on the climb of the 19,340 foot-high Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa, which raised $20,000 for the same organization. John Griswold, Jr. ’63 (trustee – 1975-2008), Hannah Leo ’11, Hayden Clarkin ’13 and Sam Slotnick ’10 at the 2010 Grab the Torch camp at Pomfret. Other alumni who have attended past summer camps are Tom Atwood ’09 and Beckam Cela ’09. Among the organizations on schedule to present at the 2011 summer camp (HITWGC, Google, Three Cups of Tea, Champlain Foundation, Board Source, Brand Hunger and the Hassenfeld Family Initiative) is the Commonfund Institute, which will be represented by John Griswold, Jr. ’63 (Pomfret trustee 1975-2008). According to John, who serves on the Finance Committee for GTT and was a camp presenter in 2009 and 2010, “the purpose of Grab The Torch is twofold: to expose young people to the enormous diversity of the nonprofit sector and to begin their education about the management of philanthropic and charitable organizations. A key component of the Camp is to inspire them to get involved in philanthropic work, and to make sure they do so with knowledge and enthusiasm. Much of the future health of our society will depend Pomfret Grabs the Torch. Class of ‘04 Mount Kilimanjaro climb benefits kids at Hole In the Wall Gang Camp. Pomfret School Bulletin magazine, volume 38, issue 1 to a large extent on the next generation of nonprofit leaders, and Philanthropy Camp is beginning the process of developing capable and committed volunteers and professionals to lead these organizations.” Ron Boss, grandparent of Lexi Dorman ’13, chairman of the board at A.T. Cross and director of the Russell Boss Foundation, presented at camp in 2009 and 2010 and is scheduled for 2011. Associate Director of the Annual Fund Louisa Jones, a key advocate in attracting this innovative program to Pomfret, is a Curriculum Advisor for GTT and has worked diligently to inspire new students to get involved with philanthropy projects. Recently, she created the new Pomfret Ambassador program that draws students into the world of philanthropy through volunteering their time for Pomfret’s Office of Advancement. Many alumni may have already been in contact with these students via letters, phone calls or events. Thanks to the generosity of Dave and his appreciation of Pomfret’s support since inception, several Pomfret students and alumni have had the opportunity to partake in this educational and enriching experience. After two years of attending the camp, Hannah Leo ’10 has a different view of philanthropy. “I now believe,” states Hannah, “that philanthropy is not just volunteerism, or donations, but a way of life. It is an external output of action to express one’s morals, passions, and beliefs.” Hannah, who is James Canton’s mentee, was recently appointed the National Chair of GTT’s Junior Advisory Committee. According to Dave, he recently had the pleasure of reporting the success of GTT to Joanne Woodward and how Mr. Newman and HITWGC have influenced the program. “Pomfret was included in that conversation,” said Dave. “I credit the success of GTT directly to the support of Louisa Jones, Brad Hastings, Paul Smith (facilities management) and the entire Pomfret community. It would not have happened without them.” Ron Boss, grandparent of Lexi Dorman ’13, and director of Russell Boss Foundation, presents to 2010 campers during their trip to Narragansett, RI Dave Aldrich (front left), Alan Hassenfeld of Hasbro and Grab the Torch inspire youth to give back. Summer 2010 campers work in Pomfret’s community garden. Sam Slotnick ’10 meets Ken Berger, CEO of Charity Navigator Philanthropy, Leadership and Ethics www.grabthetorch.org
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