Founders Day Committee Rookies Getting The Job Done

Originally published May 31, 2017

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The new faces at a recent meeting of the Founders Day Committee were all sitting in the McGinty Meeting Room at the Foxborough Public Safety Building for the same reason - they heard the call for help in October and the possibility that the 2016 edition of the annual celebration of Foxborough could be the final.

Whether or not this year’s Founders Day was ever in danger, the fact remains that with six volunteers remaining, there was a need for more people to help with the all-volunteer operation. Since the ask last fall, 30 residents have stepped up and started attending meetings, with about 15 regulars who appear on a weekly basis.

The Founders Day rookies have the same general background. They are Foxborough natives and long-time residents who have fond memories watching the fireworks, the parade, and spending a Saturday afternoon at the Booth Playground.

“You don’t want to see something like that go away, something that brings everyone together. You grow up with it and you don’t want to see it go away,” Kevin Powers said.

Like others, newcomer Katie Bates said she assumed the event was a town-sponsored occasion, but quickly learned that the town actually has little input in the operation.

“The thought of not having it, made me realize it was time to do something,” Bates said.

Since joining, Bates has helped with fundraising, which was recently highlighted by one of their biggest efforts of the year, the annual toll fundraiser at the center of town known as the Rocket Drive.

Life-long resident Frank Sturm has been able to contribute on the marketing front, working with the group’s outreach team to communicate with local media outlets.

“I have always lived here and I felt like I could help in some capacity. I’ve always loved Founders Day and I wanted to see it keep going. I think the number of people at the meeting speaks for itself," Sturm said. "(The response) wasn’t unusual, there were a ton of us that responded for the same reasons."

As for how they’re doing? Committee-mainstay Cindi Haddad-Drew said the newcomers are doing great and were able to jump right into things. With days to go before the big day, many are already looking forward to next year.

“It’s something you look forward to,” Sturm said.

Founders Day 2017 is on June 10. This year’s theme is the “The History of Foxborough” as its theme and Town Historian Jack Authelet will be the parade’s grand marshall.

Image via Foxborough Founders Day