Donor Spotlight: Dan & Ann Marie Thompson Foundation
For Dan Thompson, giving back is personal. A connection to Merrymount that began many years ago has grown into a longstanding commitment to supporting children and families in the community.
Support from the Dan & Ann Marie Thompson Foundation has continued over the years, grounded in a firsthand understanding of the difference Merrymount can make. We caught up with Dan to talk about that personal connection, what generosity means to him and why giving back continues to matter.
What first inspired you to become involved with Merrymount?
My oldest daughter and her husband broke up and Merrymount's intervention was sorely needed and gratefully appreciated.
You've been a valued supporter of our My Parents Don't Live Together Program (formerly known as Mom's House/Dad's House) for many years. What has continued to strengthen your commitment to Merrymount?
I lived the need to support children who, through no fault of their own, need guidance to find stability during a period of total confusion.
What does giving back to the community mean to you personally, and why is it important to invest in organizations like Merrymount?
The support that Merrymount gave my family during a period of crisis is support that I am forever grateful for
Who has inspired generosity in your own life, and what lessons have stayed with you?.
Happiness is achieved by helping others.. The height of this happiness can never be achieved by happiness achieved by gains for yourself.
When you think about the impact of community support, what difference do you believe donors can make in the lives of children and families accessing Merrymount's services?
To achieve a peace for an experience that is needed for a family is monumental.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about supporting Merrymount but hasn't quite taken that step yet?
Take the next step. Merrymount does beautiful things for families and children. There are not many charities where most all funds are to the benefit of the people you/they are trying to help.