Newton Man Donates Raffle Winnings To Charity

NEWTON, MA — Well, that was fast. A Newton resident won $500 Monday and without so much as a conversation or a scratch of the head, the winner handed the cash to the head of a local charity that helps kids who are facing complex emotional, behavioral and learning challenges, according to the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

Stephen Colella, wealth director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, won the 50/50 raffle at
the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber’s annual Children’s Charitable Golf Tournament recently.

But the instant Chamber President Greg Reibman called Colella’s name as winner, he indicated he wanted all of his winnings to go to Walker, a nonprofit that offers support facilities for children, youth and their families in Needham and Watertown.

"It has happened before," said Reibman in an email before of winners passing along their wins. But not always. And one thing that stood out to Reibman was just how quick Steve was to perform such a thoughtful gesture.

"Steve’s donation was instantaneous. He didn’t seem to even pause to think about it," Reibman told Patch.

Walker, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and youth who are facing complex emotional, behavioral and learning challenges, received the spur-of-the-moment donation from Newton resident Stephen Colella Monday.

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Photo of Colella and the CEO of Walker Susan Getman credit: Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce.