| Lupus Foundation of New England Executive Director Beverly Goodell, left, and 25 year foundation volunteer Rita Wolfson. Submitted photo |
HOLDEN — Two longtime town residents are giving back in a big way through their involvement with the Lupus Foundation of New England.
Beverly Goodell, executive director of the Lupus Foundation, began her journey with the organization in 2003 as a part-time special events coordinator. She was appointed to her current position in 2016. Her draw to being part of the foundation’s essential work comes from a very personal place.
“When I was young, my mother’s best friend Nan had lupus, and despite her pain, she had an amazing sense of humor and a hopeful outlook,” Goodell recalled. “At that time, in the early ’80s, there was limited knowledge about the disease and treatments. When I saw the ad for the Lupus Foundation part-time position, I knew this was my opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those touched by lupus.”
She said she enjoys being part of the nonprofit, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and touches the lives of so many people, and that “we are so fortunate to have a UMass Lupus Center right here in Worcester.”
“Being a part of the foundation has given me the opportunity to meet so many people, families, and caregivers,” Goodell said. “I have also met some of the greatest physicians and researchers who are making advancements in the diagnosis of lupus and working on new treatments.”
Goodell has lived in Holden with her husband, Bob, since 1995, and they raised their now grown children there. All three of their daughters have been an active part of the foundation and volunteering for it since their mother started there.
Jenna Bailey of the Burlap Bee Design Studio is the foundation’s graphic designer, and Goodell’s other two daughter Kelsey Gezotis and Lexie Jarosz are running on behalf of the foundation again this year in Falmouth. Her husband is the market manager of Cumulus Radio in Worcester and “has been an integral part of helping the foundation grow in the Worcester area,” Goodell proudly shared.
One morning at the bus stop, she got to talking to her neighbor Rich Loftus, and asked if he would be interested in joining the foundation’s board of directors as treasurer.
“Without hesitation, he said absolutely,” Goodell said of the father of 10-year-old twins, who is an accountant. “We need more people like Rich in this world. He is dedicated to our cause and has included his family in our events.”
The foundation has two other board members from the area, Sassoon Cymrot Law partner Devon Kinnard and Julie Lavoie of Lamacchia Realty.
“Together they are working to spread lupus awareness in our community so we can provide increased education and fund vital research,” Goodell said.
She said they are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, including Loftus and Rita Wolfson. Wolfson has has been a foundation volunteer for more than 25 years.
“She is my absolute favorite person,” Goodell said of Wolfson, adding that “any awareness of the Lupus Foundation of New England and Rich is greatly appreciated.”
Loftus is a town native who moved back to Holden 17 years ago. He has known Goodell for a while, and said that when she told him about the foundation’s mission, he was happy to come on board. Loftus said Goodell told him they were looking for a finance professional to serve on the board.
His job is to “consult with the board and management to help achieve the foundation’s goals,” he explained.
“I enjoy the feeling that I am helping,” he added.
Loftus was all smiles accepting a check for $8,190 on behalf of the Lupus Foundation of New England at the Nov. 25 Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at the DCU Center in Worcester. His wife, Mary, posted a photo of the moment on social media and commented that the foundation is “such a wonderful organization.”
“The Trans-Siberian Orchestra gives $1 per ticket to a local charity at every performance,” Mary wrote. “They have donated more than $19 million since 1999. So incredible!!! Volunteer, pay it forward, donate, and give when you can.”
Rich Loftus said going up on stage to accept the check from Mike Hsu of 100 FM The Pike radio station out of Worcester “was a rewarding experience.”
“The funds are important to the foundation, and the radio station and TSO have been excellent partners to the foundation over the years.”
