Founders Day 2024: A group of fifth-graders sell bracelets for noble cause

  (Editor’s Note: This story is based on a press release issued by the Town Manager’s Office.)

Founders Day is considered the town’s largest collective fund-raising event of the year. It’s a day when dozens of nonprofit organizations and youth groups – especially sports groups – sell various foods, crafts and other goods to raise money for their particular cause.

At the 43^rd annual Founders Day last Saturday (Sept. 14), one group of kids caught some attention with their noble cause. A quartet of Belmonte STEAM Academy fifth-graders – Lilly Gerow, Amelia Clark, Layla Najem and Ava Najem – sold custom bracelets as part of a fundraiser to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital. The talented students made a few hundred bracelets – with the goal of helping a charity that truly makes a difference. They learned about local teacher Shelagh O’Connell’s commitment to running the Boston Marathon each year to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital and decided to support her cause.

The fifth-graders raised $749 on Founders Day from bracelet sales and a total of $1,300 since they launched a Facebook campaign with the assistance of the Saugus Youth & Recreation Department staff. They plan to donate a substantial portion of the proceeds to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Founders Day had something for everyone. Residents swung past more than 100 tables and booths spread out on Central Street filled with handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry and helpful information to take home. Along Taylor Street, hungry attendees grabbed fare from food trucks, pizza, nachos, slush, shaved ice, free chicken pie samples from Harrows Chicken Pies and more tasty food served by volunteers from Saugus youth organizations and school groups. Proceeds from the sales will help support student activities. Kids had a blast stopping by the game booths run by youth sports organizations and school groups.

Some examples of popular displays this year:

• Dunk Tank (managed by the Saugus High School Class of 2025)
• “Bail” Someone Out from Saugus BANDits Jail
• Facepainting and Temporary Tattoos (SHS Drama Club)
• Belmonte Balloon Pop
• Cornhole (SHS Volleyball)
• Bracelet Making (SHS Student Council)
• Make a Basketball Shot (SHS Sachems Basketball)

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said he was thrilled to see a big crowd turn out for a fabulous Founders Day celebration on Saturday. Crabtree offered his congratulations to the 2024 Founders Day Persons of the Year, Bill Boomhower and Mary Dunlop. He stressed that both individuals are deserving of the recognition for their significant contributions to the town over the years.

The Saugus Police Department brought a patrol cruiser and invited the public to find out what it’s like inside the vehicle. Children also relished the opportunity to check out a Saugus fire engine and residents dropped money into a firefighter boot to raise money to fight muscular dystrophy.

At the Saugus Health Department booth, people learned about the benefits of flu shots and how to protect themselves from mosquito bites to reduce the chances of contracting West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis. The Town of Saugus handed out free COVID-19 tests for anyone interested.

Two disc jockeys added to the festive atmosphere by playing catchy songs throughout the morning and afternoon. Founders Day also offered plenty of entertainment with Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do, MICA Dance Group, the Theatre Company of Saugus and the Memorylaners all taking the stage to perform.

“What a great Founder’s Day!” Crabtree said. “I saw lots of smiles as people came together to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate our ​community. I want to thank all of our town staff and volunteers for their efforts that made this day such an overwhelming success.”