jackiedoherty.org

PaulM on richardhowe.com has a great post on last-night’s festivities, so I won’t be redundant but wanted to add my perspective on the evening. Being cramped into the venerable old Owl Diner eating their famously delicious eggs and pancakes was an unusual way for elected officials, community leaders, and non-profit administrators to enjoy a Thursday evening together. But then to have host Senator Steve Panagiotakos spend his brief speaking moments personally thanking leaders from 12 neighborhood groups and more than a dozen non-profit providers was more than unexpected—it was unprecedented. As Deb Chausey, executive director of House of Hope, noted on her way out: “In my 25 years of working here, it’s the first time that’s happened.” Chausey, like many others I spoke to, appreciated the senator’s recognition of the important contributions their organizations make to people, both young and old, throughout our city. We ought to be thankful, say it more often, and especially during these tough economic times, we must work together to weather the fiscal storm. The reality is, everyone is hurting for funds, and we need the non-profits more than ever. The only way Lowell will get through this fiscal crisis is together.