Philanthropist pledges $250,000 to Norwell’s Friendship Home

Philanthropist pledges challenge grant for Friendship Home drive

By Kaitlin Keane
Aug 02, 2008

NORWELL —

Six years ago, Pat Bordewick found herself seated across the table from billionaire philanthropist Doris Buffet.

As the two women ate dinner in sweat pants at the Pennsylvania health spa where Bordewick was spending her honeymoon, Buffet spoke about the foundation she had created to distribute her billions to worthy causes.

Years later, the friendship Bordewick formed that night has led to a much-needed shot in the arm for a foundation close to her heart.

Buffet, the sister of billionaire investor Warren Buffet, has offered a $250,000 challenge grant to The Friendship Home, a respite home for developmentally disabled adults slated to be built in Norwell.

The grant, given through Buffet’s Sunshine Lady Foundation, requires that Friendship Home raise the remaining $450,000 required to start building the home by Feb. 1 in order to get the money.

Buffet, who chose Friendship Home out of respect and admiration for Bordewick’s work with the group, said the challenge grant program inspires communities to kick their fundraising into overdrive.

“It’s astounding how it motivates people,” said Buffet, who has run The Sunshine Lady Foundation from Maine since she inherited the money in 1996. “It gets everybody involved, and that’s the beauty of it.”

The foundation has given more than $50 million to a number of causes, including hundreds of college scholarships to survivors of domestic abuse, Buffet said.

Friendship Home founders Wilma Goodhue and Joan Mullar have worked for nearly a decade to raise money for the home, and Bordewick joined the effort after moving to Norwell seven years ago.

In November they signed a 90-year lease with United Church of Christ in Norwell for a one-acre parcel on the church’s Main Street property. The home will also serve as a temporary residence, offering professional assistance to families who need overnight care for their disabled children during trips or emergencies.

When she applied for the grant several months ago, Bordewick only expected several thousand dollars. Now the foundation faces the task of raising $450,000 by February.

“We are all excited and enthusiastic, but we naturally need to rely on other people,” said Bordewick.

The foundation has a number of fundraisers planned in upcoming months, including a free Labor Day concert on Norwell Common and the ninth annual golf tournament to benefit the home in September.

For a list of events to benefit the Friendship Home or to donate, visit Friendshiphome.net.

Kaitlin Keane may be reached at kkeane@ledger.com.