SOUTHWICK – The Big Y supermarket of Southwick presented a $1,000 check to the Franklin Land Trust on Wednesday morning at their College Highway Big Y location. The funds donated were the result of a recent charity golf tournament that Big Y hosted.
Rich Hubbard, the Executive Director of the Franklin Land Trust, was pleased with the relationship that has been formed with Big Y.
“This has been a big lift, so we really appreciate the support of Big Y,” said Hubbard. “Finding another partnership is really great.”
Big Y of Southwick presented Franklin Land Trust Executive Director Rich Hubbard, Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Pratt, and Select Board Chairman Doug Moglin a $1,000 check towards preserving the North Pond property. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
Hubbard also announced that Franklin Land Trust is working with the Amelia Peabody Foundation, a grant-making institution located in Wellesley, Mass. Through this partnership, Franklin Land Trust will be able to accept a $200,000 challenge grant from the Amelia Peabody Foundation, if they can raise $200,000 worth of donations by December 15, 2017, with the help of North Pond supporters.
Christopher Pratt, who is the Chairman of the Conservation Commission and was in attendance for the presentation of the Big Y check, said that it’s important for the community to take part in the latest fundraising opportunities for supporting North Pond.
“It’s really important that we get people motivated,” said Pratt.
Most recently, and reported by the Westfield News on July 25, Franklin Land Trust met with the Select Board and the CPC (Community Preservation Committee) and discussed the updates on the North Pond land acquisition.
Franklin Land Trust has been given an extension from the land owner of the North Pond property, which lasts until May 2018 as there is about $1.8 million left to be raised in order to preserve the land.
