In August of 2017, Tom lost his 37-year-old wife Jenny, just 47 days after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Jenny was the mother of their three daughters, ages 2, 6 and 8. On his application to Wildflower, a Parmenter grantee organization, Tom wrote, “If I can muster up my courage (to raise these 3 girls alone), they will still have a chance at a great childhood.”
Wildflower provides sustained, long-term support for children who have lost a parent, as well as their families, for as many years as they need help. This includes the gifts of camp and other enriching experiences, to help families strengthen their resilience and create positive opportunities for the future.
With the help of Parmenter’s funding, Wildflower provided a scholarship for Tom’s family that enabled all three girls to attend Charles River Creative Arts Program (CRCAP) in Dover every year since their acceptance, except for one year during the pandemic. The camp has been a wonderful fit for the girls, as they have been involved in activities they enjoy, such as drama and music.
Summertime can be particularly hard for a solo parent, especially after the death of a spouse, and the engagement this camp program afforded Tom’s children allowed Tom to be able to work consistently, and with peace of mind. Tom said, “The gravity of the commitment Wildflower has made to us brings me to tears.”
Last summer, the girls all returned to CRCAP. In addition, two of them went to overnight camp for two weeks at Pleasant Valley Camp for Girls on Lake Winnipesaukee. It was their first overnight camp experience, and they loved it. They gained confidence, independence, and made wonderful new friends. Both girls will be returning this summer.
“These enriching experiences are possible thanks to the generous support from The Parmenter Foundation,” said Audrey Loria, Executive Director, Wildflower.