Search All Funds
Generous donors have established funds at the Foundation to benefit specific causes or organizations; all would welcome your support in any amount.
Tamburro Family Charitable Fund
Contribute to this fundRobinson - Kenney Fund
Contribute to this fundAnne Nolan Endowment for Crossroads
Contribute to this fundRight Charitable Fund
for the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, Center for Individualized Training & Education, and The Providence Center
DonateRight Charitable Fund
Contribute to this fundProvidence Country Day School/Kenneth R. Graboys Community Service Prize Fund
Donate
Providence Country Day School/Kenneth R. Graboys Community Service Prize Fund
Contribute to this fundfor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter
DonateThomas J. Murray Memorial Fund
“Everybody loved Tommy. He was very charming, had a lot of friends, and had the most beautiful blue eyes you’ve ever seen,” Kim (Murray) Butler recalls of her brother, who passed away in December 2014 at age 42. “He had a great sense of humor and such a contagious laugh.”
A graduate of Smithfield High School and New England Institute of Technology, Tommy pursued the restaurant business. “He was very successful. He was so good with people,” explains his mother, Josephine, noting that Tommy quickly became general manager of five Papa Gino’s restaurants.
Tommy was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis at age 24. When he could no longer work in the restaurants due to symptoms exacerbated by the heat of the kitchens, he began working at J.F. Moran Company from home. “Ultimately, MS took everything from him, except his character. If anything, it highlighted it, as he showed us all his inner strength and fortitude,” Kim says.
Despite his physical decline over the years, Tom found pleasure in time with family and friends. Favorite pastimes included watching Patriots and Red Sox games with his devoted father, Jack, and even doing some therapeutic horseback riding with the assistance of his brother, John.
In his eulogy, Tommy’s longtime friend Kevin Mulhern shared funny stories, along with a serious message: “What did define you, Tommy, and forever will define you, is your courage, strength, perseverance, spirit, and grace while enduring, for 19 years, the physical and emotional challenges that none of us could possibly imagine.”
“He never complained. He always said, ‘There are so many people worse off than me’, “ Josephine shares, noting that only after Tommy’s passing did they become fully aware of the nonprofits he supported. “He was extremely compassionate and was quietly helping others who were suffering through donations to various organizations for children, veterans, and animals.”
Family and friends are assuring that Tommy’s name forever will be associated with philanthropy. Designated for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, this fund will provide for direct services to MS patients in Rhode Island.
Contribute to this fundSandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre Endowment Fund
Contribute to this fundKiekhofer-Dickey Endowment Fund for The Friends of the Brownell Library
Donate
Kiekhofer-Dickey Endowment Fund for The Friends of the Brownell Library
Contribute to this fundHerbert S. Galkin Memorial Scholarship Fund
for Cranston High School West
DonateHerbert S. Galkin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Contribute to this fundImmigrants Benevolent Fund
to support the well-being of immigrants
DonateImmigrants Benevolent Fund
Contribute to this fundJohn and Sheila Martin Professional Development Fund
for St. Andrew's School for professional development of faculty and staff
Donate