Woodman family foundation passes $1 million in giving, with two fundraisers this month

The family foundation tied to Woodman's of Essex says it has now given more than $1 million to local students and organizations since 1988.

The L. Dexter Woodman Family Foundation counts more than 224 students and groups among those it has helped, according to its website. It announced the milestone on its site this year.

How it started

The foundation began in 1988 as the L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship, created by Virginia "Gini" Woodman after her husband, Lawrence Dexter "Deck" Woodman, died. It became the Mr. and Mrs. L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship after she died in 2011. In 2022 the family renamed it the L. Dexter Woodman Family Foundation so it could give more broadly, including to families in need and groups such as Action Inc.'s Cape Ann Kids Fund.

Woodman's, at 119 Main St. in Essex, has been in business since 1914.

Where the money goes

• Scholarships for graduating seniors from Manchester Essex Regional High School, or any senior who attended Essex Elementary School: one $7,500 scholarship through the high school, a $3,000 scholarship through the Essex Lions Club, a $3,000 scholarship through the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and one through the Massachusetts Restaurant Association for a student going into hospitality.
• Clamshells for Scholars, a drawing started in 2011 for Woodman's student workers in at least their second year of college or in a graduate or trade program. This year five students received $3,000 each. The foundation says it has given $88,500 in employee scholarships.
• College book money for Woodman's college age staff, up to $300 a year. Since 1998, more than 210 students have received nearly $80,000, the foundation says.

Other recipients listed on its site include Beverly Bootstraps' back to school backpacks, NAMI Cape Ann and Ipswich Caring.

Coming up

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: The James, 55 Main St., Essex, gives 10% of the day's proceeds to the foundation, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with live music by Jeff Fraser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested at 978-890-7200.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: a Left Right Center dice game night at American Legion Post 113, 10 Central St., Manchester. Tickets are $35, or $300 for a table of 10, with cash prizes, raffles, a cash bar and free pizza. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 6:15.
• Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1: Woodman's will give 10% of the day's proceeds to the foundation.

Details and registration are on the foundation's website. Both October events are also on the Cape Ann Current calendar.