One June 4, The trustees of the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation held its annual meeting.
Elected Officers for the coming year are Karen Carpenter as President, DJ Donahue as
Treasurer, and Sophy Theam as Clerk.
The trustees discussed their satisfaction with their move this year to Lowell, increasing
visibility, impact and connection to local Lowell nonprofit organizations. Twice yearly, in
July, and January, the foundation makes major grants to organizations serving Lowell
citizens, and every four months mini-grants, not exceeding $7500, are made for smaller
projects.
The trustees are planning an October program marking the 80th year of the foundation
supporting Lowell.
Special recognition was made for retiring trustee, Luis Pedroso honoring his service by
endowing a $100,000 scholarship fund at Middlesex Community College. This fund follows
Luis’ outstanding example of supporting immigrants and will provide funds in perpetuity for
newcomers who wish to study at MCC so that they can experience the same kind of
success Mr. Pedroso has had as a citizen and entrepreneur
Throughout his life. Said Parker President Carpenter; “Luis is the most philanthropic person
I know. During his time as a trustee, he challenged us to stretch and reach higher goals, and
was the prime mover to encourage our landmark gift to the health Center, which carries the
name of Dr Moses Greeley Parker, uncle to Theodore Edson Parker, and whose wise
investments provided the funds for the foundation, established in 1944.”

Deck the Walls;
Parker is grateful for community organizations and individuals who have offered
visual enhancement to our office walls.
Jim Wilder’s textiles, Jim and Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership occupied our
current space for 16 successful years. He loaned us textiles from his travels, to India,
Mexico, Peru.
Refuge Lowell; save the date; Sept 5 reception to meet and greet student artists