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The Bowditch Award - Mary DeFeudis
Signs of Mary DeFeudis’ generosity are evident across the
Worcester landscape. If the cause is worthwhile, chances
are Mary is a supporter. Her support of the Hanover
Theatre for the Performing Arts is a perfect example.
Mary believed in the theatre from the very beginning
and was our “leading lady.” She gave the first major
individual gift to the project, kicking off a successful
individual gift campaign that continues to this day. Like
Mr. Bowditch, Mary has made her contributions with
modesty, and like him, she has set high expectations.
Mary worked tirelessly on the theatre project. She not
only donated, she hosted numerous events to tell the
Hanover Theatre story.
Mary became an active member of the Worcester Center
for the Performing Arts Board. Finally, Mary was the
“conscience” of the Hanover Theatre, never allowing a
corner to be cut and always insisting on quality. For her
generous spirit and high standards, the WBDC proudly
awards Mary DeFeudis the 2009 Bowditch Award.
The Bowditch Award - Frederick Eppinger
If the Hanover Theatre project were a play, the critical
stage direction would be “enter Fred Eppinger.” From the
moment Fred became involved in the theatre, the pace
quickened, hurdles were overcome, and the dream began
to become a reality.
Fred’s leadership exhibited the passion, energy, and
generosity which Mr. Bowditch expected. Fred was
everywhere. The Eppinger Family was a major donor. His
company’s foundation, the Hanover Insurance Group
Foundation, was the lead corporate foundation donor and
the theatre bears their name. However, Fred did more than
donate. He led fundraising efforts in the corporate and
foundation communities. The Hanover Foundation also
extended guarantees that allowed for unique financing
and investment opportunities.
He immersed himself in the project, crunching numbers,
helping with design decisions, solving problem after
problem. Fred not only articulated a vision for the
theatre, he articulated a vision for downtown Worcester.
In carrying out that vision, he became our “leading man.”
The WBDC is proud to award Frederick Eppinger the 2009
Bowditch Award.
Past Bowditch Award Recipients include:
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2008 |
WPI and Dr. Dennis D. Berkey |
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2007 |
Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist |
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2006 |
Charles F. Monahan, Jr. |
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2005 |
John M. Nelson |
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2004 |
Abbott Research Center
Dr. Alejandro A. Aruffo |
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2003 |
John LaPoint
Sheila Ide |
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2002 |
The Crowley Family |
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2001 |
Robert E, Maher Jr.
Joseph A. Podbielski, MD
Alan M. Stoll |
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2000 |
William J. Short |
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1991 |
John D. Hunt |
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