Gnome Surf Inc. is a nonprofit organization offering therapeutic programs for children and families of all abilities by using surfing, art, yoga, and the great outdoors.
It’s also a charitable focus for the Commonwealth Financial Group (CFG). And in recognition of CFG's work with that firm as well as CFG’s overall dedication in 2023 to meaningful community impact, it has been honored with a $25,000 Community Service Award (CSA), provided by the MassMutual Foundation.
The awarded funds will go toward Gnome’s Happy Camp, a unique and transformative program that combines surf therapy with a variety of land-based activities. Happy Camp provides a safe, inclusive environment where participants can connect with others, develop resilience, and experience the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities. Each camp session is intentionally kept small to foster close-knit relationships among athletes and their families. Outside of surfing, activities include art, yoga, sandcastle building, and beach games, offering a space where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience joy.
"Supporting Gnome Surf through the MassMutual Foundation’s Community Service Award Program has been an honor,” said Jeff Carey, a leading advisor at CFG. He and his wife, Judy, are both deeply involved with Gnome as board members, and their daughter serves as a dedicated volunteer. “This donation empowers us to deepen our impact on the lives of young athletes and families, fostering a spirit of inclusion and resilience. We are excited to see Gnome’s Happy Camp expand, bringing the therapeutic benefits of surf and land activities to more participants in our community.”
Eric Spindt, Commonwealth’s chief executive officer, noted the importance of community engagement in supporting the firm’s mission.
"We are grateful for this award from the MassMutual Foundation, which allows us to strengthen our support for Gnome and its mission,” said Spindt. “When our financial professionals engage in grassroots efforts with nonprofits like Gnome, it not only benefits the community, but it also builds lasting connections and trust with those we serve. We’re excited to see the positive impact Gnome will continue to make.”
Beyond supporting Gnome, CFG supports community engagement through various initiatives, including:
- Rally2Give Foundation: Founded by CFG’s co-general agent Rick St. Jean, Rally2Give partners with local charities to support youth development and the special needs community.
- CFG Cares: This staff-led charitable committee is actively involved in planning and hosting fundraising and volunteer events throughout the year, creating additional ways for CFG employees to make an impact.
- Volunteer time off: CFG offers staff one paid day off per quarter to volunteer at charities or local nonprofits, supporting employees’ commitment to giving back.
Each year, the MassMutual Foundation makes awards — ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — to help nonprofit organizations with which MassMutual financial professionals are involved. You can read more about the program here.
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