The MEG Foundation will hold a month-long fundraising campaign in June

By Janice K. Jarosz

Members of the MEG Foundation have launched the first fundraising campaign to upgrade the building by making it more accessible to all.

It was back in 2007, when it was learned that the Town was prepared to sell the neglected Cliftondale School building to a local developer. The plans were to demolish the school to make way for an apartment house. Once that news came out, dozens of residents gathered together in an effort to prevent the loss of such a historical structure. Of course, there were those that said it could not be saved but many other residents persisted and eventually prevailed.

At that time there was no heat, rooms were filled with pigeons, broken windows, graffiti on the blackboards, just to name a few issues. It was decided that the first step was a full cleanup of all the rooms, next the purchase of new windows and a required new electrical system, which was accomplished with financing from generous businesses and dozens of Saugus citizens, along with a lot of elbow grease!

One of our biggest contributors was the General Electric Good Neighbor Fund. Saugonian Dennis Gould, who was an official, brought his team to the school for a walkthrough. A few weeks later, Mr. Gould called and told us that the members of the Good Neighbor Fund saw the potential and granted us $50,000 to remove the antiquated oil burner and replace it with gas burners.

Thanks to Mr. Gould, that first endorsement from his organization not only gave us a brand-new heating system, but it also empowered our group with hope and energy to continue. Dozens of residents offered to help throughout the years; businesses came forward; and today the building, with all its glory, stands as a constant reminder of what can be accomplished when everyone works together!

Funds from the June Raffle Calendar will help us continue our purpose in maintaining the building as a culture center and a meeting place for many organizations, families and friends to gather for special occasions and private parties. The Raffle features 30 prizes for the 30 days in June and features cash prizes, gift cards from local businesses, a Weber Grill, golf lessons and many more. It’s a $10.00 donation per ticket. Drawings will be held daily during the month and winners will be contacted by phone. Please make checks payable to the MEG Foundation.

The MEG Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible. The MEG Foundation Board of Directors are all volunteers. Any questions, please contact Linda Ross at 617-686-4645 or Janice Jarosz at 339-222-2178.