Published in the October 15, 2015 edition.
Unfortunately, violence against children is much too common in societies across the globe. Carolann Boyle knows this from a very personal standpoint and is doing something about it.
Her younger brother Jamie Faucher was killed in the summer of 1989 during a backyard sleep out. Carolann is hosting the inaugural fundraising event for the Jamie Faucher Foundation Saturday at the Crystal Community Club, 77 Preston St., from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be dancing, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffles, the benefits of which will go to a cause close to Carolann’s heart.
Jamie Faucher was the victim of a violent crime and his sister says she will never forget that. But it’s the memory of him while he was alive, the young kid who would brighten up a room just by entering it, that Carolann is using as positive energy to get the Jamie Faucher Foundation off the ground.
She said, “Jamie would have graduated from Wakefield High School in ‘92. He was the smile on everyone’s face and he was the one that made you belly laugh. He was the youngest of three kids and has a very large, extended family. Jamie was the life of the party.
“I cannot tell you why now, but something said it was time to help other children. The hurt and loss is still very raw for my family and something good needs to come from his death,” Carolann continued.
The Jamie Faucher Foundation is a new 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money to help children who are victims of violent crime. In the years to come, Carolann wants the foundation to assist groups dealing with violence against children.
This year, it’s the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Carolann explains, “Last year alone they helped over 24,000 children and (the MSPCC) exists to ensure the safety and well-being” of kids.
“In the future we are hoping to fund local and state wide programs that will help keep all our children safe,” she said. Carolann has already been in discussions with the Wakefield Police and the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence about ways the foundation can help.
But first, it needs some money to do the types of good deeds Carolann Boyle envisions. Saturday’s inaugural fundraising event costs $30 a person; you can get more information on Facebook, www.jamiefaucherfoundation.com and www.gofundme.com/jamie faucher.
Also, the foundation’s first annual golf tournament is May 16 at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. Reserve your foursome now.
If you want to make a donation or get tickets in advance call Carolann at 781-883-1101.
All of this will be money spent so we can see the day when no child is the victim of a violent crime.
