President's message: IFMA Boston is committed to service

IFMA Boston enjoys a very special relationship and collaboration with the Boston Medical Center's The SPARK Center. Since the early 1990s, when chapter leadership were introduced to the two remarkable women who conceived of and still run the program today, we were convinced that we had found a truly worthy cause, one where we could make a real difference. Throughout the last two decades, we have raised significant funds, held garden cleanups, assisted with facilities repairs, and gotten to know the staff and children. Many of the center's first children admitted to the program have survived, thrived, and still maintain a relationship with The SPARK Center. This is a testament to the kindness, love, and support these children, now young adults, have received as a result of the staff, and partners like IFMA Boston whom they can count on. Earlier in October, the board of directors spent the afternoon at The SPARK Center to breathe new life into a shed on the property. This is the second project of its kind for the board and serves as a great communal project for the board with great appreciation by the kids at SPARK. The chapter also participates each year at The Jimmy Fund Walk staffing the mile 8 water station along with other philanthropic ventures throughout the year such as book drives, 50/50 raffles and a toy drive. Please join us on Thursday, December 4 from 6-10 p.m. at Fenway Park for this year's Grand Slam Gala to benefit The Boston Medical Center's SPARK Center. Visit www.ifmaboston.org for more information. Jessamine Wigfall, CFM is the 2014 IFMA Boston president, Boston, Mass.