Cape Abilities receives largest donation in its 40-year history

Published on Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Cape Abilities has received a multi-part donation of l$ 1.8 million, the largest received by the Cape Cod non-profit since it was founded 40 years ago. 

The multi-part donation will significantly expand Cape Abilities services on Cape Cod. Part of the donation will also preserve a site designated one of the “Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources” by Preservation Massachusetts in 2007.

$750,000 donation -John and Cathy Milligan have donated their property and the greenhouses at 458 Main Street, Route 6A in Dennis to Cape Abilities to continue the expansion of Cape Abilities Farm. The property is 8.2 acres. Cape Abilities began operating the farm in 2006 under a $1 per year lease agreement. This year, Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis will employ 50 people with disabilities in all aspects of farm management.

$ 550,000 donation - Red Horse, LLC – former owners of 330 Olde Homestead Drive, Marstons Mills have provided a $ 550,000 donation to Cape Abilities to support the purchase of the historic farm. Set on 6.5 acres in Marstons Mills, the farm includes the Isaac Crocker Homestead, built in 1750. The homestead was designated one of the “Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources” by Preservation Massachusetts in 2007. Cape Abilities will preserve the homestead.

$ 500,000 Donation - The Lyndon Paul Lorusso Foundation has donated $ 500,000 to complete the purchase of the Marstons Mills property. The Lyndon Paul Lorusso Foundation has a 30 year history of supporting Cape Abilities. Cape Abilities main office in Hyannis, The Lyndon Center, is named in honor of Lyndon Paul Lorusso. Patrick Butler, of Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP and Paul Tardif, an attorney in Yarmouthport assisted with the donations.

According to Cape Abilities Executive Director Larry Thayer, “This is the largest donation in the history of Cape Abilities. It will enable us to continue to expand our mission – creating jobs and other opportunities for Cape Codders with disabilities. Our goal is to use the expansion of Cape Abilities
Farm to showcase old and new farming technologies.”

Cape Abilities is a non-profit organization that provides jobs, homes, transportation and other services for people with disabilities on Cape Cod. Cape Abilities was founded as Nauset Workshop in Orleans in 1968. Cape Abilities now serves people with disabilities from Bourne to Provincetown. Cape Abilities is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. For more information about Cape Abilities visit www.CapeAbilities.org .

Contact: Sarah Cusick at scusick@CapeAbilities.org
Phone: 508-367-4371