Past Recipients of the Young Philanthropist Award

2009: Rachel Marolda, a 16 year-old National Honor Society junior at Reading Memorial High School, received the 2009 Young Philanthropist Award from Women in Development of Greater Boston May 28th at the organization's annual award luncheon at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge. Rachel, a former neurosurgery patient at Children's Hospital was nominated by hospital staff in recognition of her philanthropic leadership on behalf of the hospital's Neurosurgery Research Fund. Read more

Rachel Marolda (center) receives a contribution from Terri Hootstein (left), Women in Development's president, and Jacqui Budd, president of Dress for Success Boston.

2008: Matt Vieira, Lowell, Massachusetts, Friends Who Care Association. Matt single-handedly founded the Friends Who Care Association (FWCA) in 2006 as a 16-year-old junior at Lowell Catholic High School. FWCA is an association that was founded to benefit Lowell General Hospital Cancer Care. He and his team have raised $23,000 by hosting two dinner-dances, welcoming over 400 attendees. For these annual events, in addition to selling tickets, Matt has secured venues, corporate sponsorship, press coverage, and the attendance of city and state leaders. Read more

2007: Nick Simmons-Stern, Natick, Massachusetts, American Cancer Society Relay for Life. At the age of 16, Nick was directing, guiding and leading more than 1,200 volunteers as Chair of the Relay. Nick's track record of recruiting, inspiring and leading volunteers coupled with his ability to raise funds, made him a standout candidate for WID's 2007 award. Read more

Nick Simmons-Stern (center), at the 2007 Young Philanthropist Awards Luncheon shown with Keynote Speakers and Philanthropists Carol Goldberg (left) and Deborah Goldberg (right).

2006: Tallen Kendall Sloane, Weston, Massachusetts, The Home for Little Wanderers. Tallen inspired hundreds of individuals and secured thousand of dollars of in-kind donations in support of the restoration and renovation of dormitories for youth affiliated with The Home. Read more

Miss Sloane (2nd from right) with her parents and Betsy Kamborian, WID President, at the 2006 Young Philanthropist Award luncheon.

2005: Alexandra Azzolino, Acton, Massachusetts, KIDS Kount! Alexandra founded KIDS Kount, a charitable foundation dedicated to helping children with serious illnesses through fundraising events organized by children. Read more

2004: Jenny Whitcher, Topsfield, Massachusetts, Habitat for Humanity Youth United Program. Jenny motivated thousands of students to share her passion for affordable housing. Read more

2003

Rory Conroy and Alexa Gambal