A Legacy of Hope: The Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry
In Madison, Connecticut, the spirit of generosity endures through the newly named Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry. It's a testament to the remarkable legacy of an unsung local hero whose foresight and kindness inspire and nourish countless families.
A Legacy of Hope: The Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry
In Madison, Connecticut, the spirit of generosity endures through the newly named Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry. It's a testament to the remarkable legacy of an unsung local hero whose foresight and kindness inspire and nourish countless families.
A Legacy Rooted in Resilience and Generosity
Pauline Baldwin, a long-time Madison resident, faced adversity early on. Left alone to raise her children after her husband left, she decided to place them up for adoption so they could receive the care she couldn't provide. Despite these challenges, she displayed unwavering resilience, living modestly while handicapped and hard of hearing in later years. Lions Club members would frequently offer her rides, inspiring her to name the club as a beneficiary in her will.
Upon her death in 1994 at age 90, the Madison Lions Club received her bequest of $61,516.80, intended explicitly to feed Madison's hungry. This generous donation became the catalyst for establishing the Madison Lions Foundation and an investment committee. Together, they went on to transform countless lives.
The Madison Lions and Madison Community Services: An Ideal Partnership
The investment committee, including David Longobucco, Antony Pierce-Grove, George Basler, Richard Borner, Fritz Luecke, and Louis Tresselt, managed the fund for 23 years. The committee prioritized donations to Madison Community Services (MCS) through the Foundation, allowing the Baldwin Separate Account to grow steadily. Their prudent management preserved the principal while generating consistent income to support MCS.
Since its establishment, the fund has contributed over $72,000 to MCS’s mission. In 2018, committee members generously proposed liquidating the Baldwin Account and donating $80,985 to the pantry. However, Madison Community Services accepted the donation on the condition that the stock portfolio be transferred instead, ensuring Pauline's legacy would continue.
Today, the partnership between the Madison Lions and MCS thrives, with original committee members Dick Borner and Fritz Luecke serving on the Board of Directors
The Evolution of the MCS Food Pantry
The food pantry started as a modest operation in a small closet at Social Services. In 2006, under the leadership of co-presidents Carol Bohling and Mary Ann Martin, it moved to the First Congregational Church and expanded to include perishable items. In April 2011, under current president Cheryl T. Campbell, the pantry relocated to a commercial facility, transforming into a mini-market offering fresh foods and vegetables.
Renaming the Food Pantry: A Community-Inspired Decision
Renaming the MCS Food Pantry was inspired by a desire to honor Pauline Baldwin's legacy and clarify MCS's role in the community. Many residents misunderstood the pantry as a town service, though it's entirely donation-funded. Inspired by Pauline's story, Board member Rose McLaughlin suggested renaming the pantry in her honor.
A Future Inspired by the Past
Renaming the pantry reflects a steadfast commitment to carry on Pauline Baldwin's vision of caring for those in need. Her legacy lives on, not just in the pantry's name but also in Madison Community Services' daily operations and outreach, ensuring no one in the community goes hungry.
Find Us
The Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry is located in Orchard Park at 50 Mungertown Road, Madison, CT. We offer curbside pick-up services every Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring you can receive essential food supplies safely and conveniently. Our pantry provides a wide variety of both perishable and non-perishable items to meet the needs of our community.
MCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER
Madison Community Services, Inc is an all volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing services and assistance to Madison residents since 1930. 100% of funding is from private donations, without any town, state or federal funding.
