All Pawtucket All The Time

R.I. Chapter of National MS Society

Receives its Largest Donation from an Individual

$150,000.00 from the Late Mary Farrar of Pawtucket

WARWICK, R.I., Jan. 21, 2010 -The Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society started 2010 with its largest gift from an individual donor.

The late Mary E. Farrar of Pawtucket donated $150,000.00 to the Chapter, which raises nearly $1.25 million each year through various fundraising activities, such as the Fidelity Investments MS 150 and Walk MS.

Ms. Farrar was 85-years-old and passed away on Nov. 30, 2009. She had multiple sclerosis and had arranged to bequeath the donation to the National MS Society with U.S. Trust – Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

“She was very generous and did things for many people and organizations,” said family friend Evelyn Avery. “And Mary always wanted to get out and do things, she was very social.”

The Chapter will use the donation to fund MS research, programs and services, and accomplish several tasks that there had simply been no money for, such as buying furniture for the lobby of its refurbished headquarters in Warwick.

“Ms. Farrar has helped every Rhode Islander with MS on many different levels with her generous gift to our Chapter,” said Chapter President Kathy Mechnig. “To say we are appreciative is an understatement.”

Farrar fractured her hip in a fall several years ago, Avery said, but it did not dampen her enthusiasm for going out with friends and joining in many activities and day trips. Avery and her mother often drove Farrar on these outings and enjoyed spending time with her and having fun.

Farrar also left donations to the Salvation Army and St. Teresa’s Church in Pawtucket.