Support our Hope & Gratitude Fund

Hope & Gratitude Weekend is a virtual community-building fundraiser to celebrate unity, build our Project 351 community, and provide important resources for nonprofit organizations we admire.

After research and reflection, Ambassadors & Alumni selected — by vote— the three organizations that motivate their passion and service, each led by a 2023 Service Hero or Project 351 Alumnus. The beneficiaries of all donations made to the Hope & Gratitude Weekend Fund are:

1. CUERD@S -- Cuerd@s transforms thrifted and recycled pieces of clothing into wearable tools with which to soothe anxiety and mental health challenges by stitching on tactile patches, ensuring agency and dignity. Megan Burke, an Alumna of Project 351 & 2023 Service Hero, developed Cuerd@s out of a deep love for her sibling and a passion for clothing. She began in her college dorm room, embroidering textures onto a simple white t-shirt with the hope that it would provide her sibling with a sense of comfort and love while they were miles apart. The embroidery serves as a built-in de-escalation tool and reminds the wearer that they are safe, loved, and valued. Cuerd@s clothing can be found across the country in mental health inpatient psychiatric units and rehabilitation centers.

2. MARTIN RICHARD FOUNDATION -- Founded in honor of 8-year-old Martin Richard who lost his life ten years ago at the tragic events that took place at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the Martin Richard Foundation works to advance the values of inclusion, kindness, justice, and peace by investing in community programs that broaden horizons for young people and encourage them to celebrate diversity and engage in positive civic action. Martin, a 2023 Service Hero, serves as an incredible representation of the power of youth activism. His legacy of peace and kindness has stemmed into an incredible movement of love, inclusivity, and compassion, which is stewarded by the Martin Richard Foundation. In honor of Martin, the foundation is committed to cultivating the next generation of thinkers, upstanders, and peacemakers.

3. SHANE GIVES THANKS FOOD PANTRY, In loving remembrance of Shane McColgan, Class of 2021, Carver -- We are heartbroken at Shane's passing after 505 days of a courageous battle with cancer. He was 16 years old and a beloved son, brother, grandson, friend, and Project 351 Alumnus. This weekend, we unite in #35ONELoveforShane to support his life's mission to end hunger. As a young child, Shane founded Shane Gives Thanks Food Pantry to nourish families, children, and seniors in his hometown of Carver, and to strengthen the spirit of generosity and compassion. What began as a dream to feed hungry children now serves 1,300 neighbors each month. Shane believed that "a simple act of kindness can change the world". This weekend and forward, we carry his spirit forward to ensure his legacy of love-in-action endures.

Project 351 is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a tax identification number: 45-4103159.  All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law and are accepted with sincere gratitude.

If you prefer to donate offline, please direct correspondence to:

Project 351, 50 Milk Street, Floor 16, Boston, MA  02109