Around Town

Wayside Receives Grant to Support Health & Substance Use Prevention Program

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The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)

The following announcement was provided by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network:

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to support the launch of its Seeds of Wellness pilot program within the organization’s Multi-Service Program. Wayside is one of 150 nonprofits selected through a highly competitive process from 959 applicants as part of the Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which distributed $35 million this year. The funding will be provided over three years. The Seeds of Wellness pilot will enhance Wayside’s Multi-Service Center existing mental health and substance use prevention services by creating opportunities for youth to connect with nature, build resilience, and strengthen relationships with trusted adults through community volunteers.

Around Town

Registration Open for Boys & Girls Club Mugar Memorial Golf Tournament, Sponsorships Available

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The Watertown Boys & Girls Club will hold the 2026 Stephen P. Mugar Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 3. Registration is open for golfers and the club seeks sponsorships in an effort to raise up to $80,000 in matching funds. See more details in the information from the Club, below. Since its inaugural tournament in 1978, the Watertown Boys & Girls Club annual golf tournament has been the cornerstone of the Club’s fundraising calendar.

Around Town

Community Food Drive Aims to Help Restock Watertown’s Food Pantries for Summertime Need

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation will host their annual city-wide food drive during Watertown Helps Out from May 26 – June 9, in collaboration with the City of Watertown. This year’s food drive is sponsored by ButcherBox, the Watertown based direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand. “The rising cost of food and changes to federal benefit eligibility have made local food access programs, especially Watertown’s food pantries, more important than ever for many residents. Food donations tend to slow down over the summer compared to the holiday season, so extra community support is especially meaningful during this time,” said Jenna Bancroft, the City of Watertown’s Human Services Director. This summer food drive will collect kid-friendly foods and snacks, in addition to important non- perishables and hygiene supplies to keep kids and families healthy all summer-long.

Charity

Watertown Community Foundation Awards Inaugural Education & Youth Development Grants

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation has awarded $39,475 in the inaugural Education and Youth Development grant cycle. This new grant program creates access to opportunities for Watertown youth that foster skill-building, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience, while creating pathways for all young people to thrive. The Watertown Public Schools (WPS) was the largest grant recipient, receiving $22,575 to support six programs and provide student internship support. One of the grants, totaling $5,000, was awarded to the WPS Student Opportunity Fund, which covers the cost of student activities, field trips, and clubs for families who need support. This grant increases the district’s Student Opportunity Fund by approximately 25% for the 2026–2027 school year — a year that will see the reinstatement of athletics and activity fees at the middle and high school levels.

Business

Nine Watertown Organizations Named Winners in WSB Annual Customer Choice Awards

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All the 2026 winners of Watertown Savings Bank’s Customer Choice Awards. (Photo from Watertown Savings Bank)

Watertown Savings Bank hosted the winners of the 2026 Customer Choice Awards, and handed out $100,000 to non-profits from Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, Newton, Arlington, and beyond. See details in the announcement from WSB, below. On Tuesday, May 5, Watertown Savings Bank distributed $100,000 amongst 34 local non-profit organizations chosen by its banking customers and local residents, at their 27th Annual Customer Choice Awards Night held at the Sons of Italy Hall in Watertown. St.

Charity

Patrick’s PALS to Host 30th Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament May 30

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Patrick’s PALS will host the 30th annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament fundraiser on May 30. Watertown-based Patrick’s PALS is in its 30th year, raising money for research into Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. A 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser will be held at the TRACK at New Balance. See more details provided by Patrick’s PALS, below. For 30 years, Patrick’s PALS has brought together athletes, families, and the Greater Boston sports community to raise awareness and critical funding for Fragile X Syndrome – the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide – with 100 percent of proceeds supporting FRAXA Research Foundation and its mission to develop effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

Charity

Watertown High Grad Raises More Than $10K to Fight Kids Cancer

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Shane and Brady Gleason shaved their heads to raise money to battle kids cancer at The Buzz Off. (Contributed Photo)

A Watertown son and father drew a big crowd to watch them shave their heads for a good cause, and raised several thousand dollars. Watertown High School grad Brady Gleason hosted the Buzz Off on April 17. The event raised money for One Mission Helping Kids Fight Cancer. Brady’s father, Shane, said that this had been a long time cause for his son.

Charity

More Than 400 Volunteer Opportunities During 12th Annual Watertown Helps Out

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Watertown Helps Out starts soon and there are hundreds of ways to give back to the community. See more information in the announcement provided by the Watertown Community Foundation, below. The Watertown Community Foundation, with the support of local company sponsors and the City of Watertown, is kicking off the 12th Annual Watertown Helps Out (WHO), a month of community service, taking place throughout the month of May. This year’s corporate sponsors include ButcherBox and Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Arsenal Yards Life Sciences, C4 Therapeutics, Kymera Therapeutics and Watertown Savings Bank. From May 2 through May 31, the Watertown Community Foundation invites residents, businesses, schools and neighborhoods to come together and volunteer to make a positive impact across the city.