It Starts With ME! organizes and participates in several events throughout the year. Here you can see some of the events we have been involved in and what is coming up.
Annual Turkey Drive (November)
Each year we organize a turkey drive to help provide complete meals for Thanksgiving to local families and veterans in need around the North Shore as well as provide boxes of food to local pantries and shelters. We provide everything from the tin roasting pan to the dessert. For more information please email Melanie@iswmcharity.com.
(Click an image below to view photos from previous year’s event)
Annual Beanbag Tourney (Sept. xx, 20xx)
Each year in the fall we will host a backyard beanbag tournament in Danvers, MA. The proceeds from the event fund our annual scholarship. For more information regarding this year’s beanbag tourney please email Melanie
Jason “Bones” LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship
In 2010, a scholarship was created at Salem High School in honor of a dear friend, Jason LeBlanc. Each year a senior demonstrating financial need, scholastic or vocational potential, characteristics of personal integrity, and service to the community will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. ISWM has awarded $14,000 in scholarships to date and counting.
If you are a Salem High School senior you can pick up the application form from your guidance counselor.
Scholarship Recipients:
- 2010 – James Lobao – UMASS Boston
- 2011 – Susan Le – Providence College
- 2012 – Kassandra Urena – Worcester State University
- 2013 – Amanda Monaco – University of Connecticut
- 2014 – Brenna Burke – Assumption College
- 2015 – Mikala Dionne – Worcester State University
- 2016 – Erin Curley – Simmons College
- 2017 – Xavier Cole – UCONN
- 2018 – Nicholas Capra – UMASS Amherst
- 2019 – Lily Jerzylo – Clemson University
- 2020 – Trevor Johnson – Saint Michael’s College
- Marie McCarthy – University of New Hampshire
- 2021 – Hannah Lonergan – UMASS Amherst
- 2022 – TBA
Support our Local Veterans (year round)
We organize drives all year to help support our local Veterans. Work closely with the Veterans office who updates on their needs. In the past we have provided supplies to a disabled Veterans home, monetary donations and gift cards to local grocery store. In 2021, ISWM provided $9,000 in monetary and gift card donations to help support local Vets in need of food and another $1,000 in 2022.
Annual Mayor’s Cup 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney (July 27, 2013)
Organized serval 3 on 3 basketball tournaments with Jamie Campbell and Salem Park and Recreation to raise money to help support causes throughout the city.
(Click an image below to view photos from last year’s event)
Annual Bowling Tourney (TBA while we look for a new venue)
Each year we will host a bowling tournament at Lucky Strike Lanes in Lynn, MA. The proceeds from the event will be donated to different needs in our community. In 2011, we hosted our first bowling tournament and was able to donate $8,000 to Multiple Sclerosis research.
(Click an image below to view photos from last year’s event)
Making A Young Woman Feel Beautiful (TBA)
Over the years we have been hosting a dress drive to collect new or used dresses, shoes and accessories to be donated to local high schools for female students who lack the financial resources to buy a prom dress. To date we have collected 200 plus dresses, shoes and accessories.
Local Walks (TBA)
Each year we organize a team to walk in local charity walks and to help raise money and awareness for various causes. A few of the walks we participated in over the years are the MS Walk Marblehead and NSMC Cancer Walk.
(Click an image below to view photos from last year’s event)
Sunday Funday With Mia
In 2010, we hosted a fundraiser with Wheaton Hinchion, to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome in honor of Mia Coombes Vincent who was diagnosed on 2/26/10. We were able to donate over $12,000 to benefit children with Rett Syndrome.
A Night for Charity (TBD)
Each year we host fundraisers at local establishments for friends, family and strangers to come out and celebrate while raising money for local causes. Some of the causes we have supported are the Salem Children’s Charity, McKinley Rose Nicholas Fund and the D.A.R.E. program run by the Salem Police Department.
Run to Home Plate
In 2010, we organized a team to run and raise money for local Veterans returning from war which was sponsored by the Boston Red Sox. We were able to raise $5,670.41.
(Click an image below to view photos from last year’s event)
It Starts With ME! has organized and been involved in many events over the years and we continue to do more going forwad.
It Starts With ME! 