In bringing the home-team spirit to Worcester for the Worcester Red Sox, we realized: the players aren’t the only stars here. There are people right here in our community that deserve to be cheered for, too.
That’s why Country Bank is excited to announce the 2026 WooStars– six local non-profit leaders who were nominated and selected to be recognized for the difference they make across Massachusetts every day. Each non-profit receives a $5,000 donation to their organization and is recognized in a special award ceremony on the field at Polar Park.
Nomination: “One of Susan’s greatest strengths is her ability to build trust and partnerships. She successfully led HeartWell’s ARPA grant efforts, working closely with the City of Worcester to ensure that funding would have the greatest possible impact on those who need it most. Because of her vision and persistence, HeartWell is on track to fully utilize the grant while expanding outreach to communities often left out of important conversations, including youth, individuals in recovery, those impacted by the criminal justice system, and African American and African immigrant communities. These efforts have already reached more than 530 individuals and continue to grow.“
Nomination: “Charles Luster founded 2Gether We Eat in 2020. Charles is an African American Veteran, former teacher, and college basketball coach in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a mission to address food insecurity and empower youth through innovative hydroponic farming. Luster brings his natural charisma and mentoring abilities to create transformative community programs.
2Gether We Eat now operates at 7 sites across Worcester County, producing four to six tons of fresh vegetables annually and reaching more than 500 food-insecure households each year. Charles does this full-time, showing up every week at schools, senior centers, and community sites because he believes people deserve access to fresh food, real education, and someone genuinely in their corner.”
Nomination : “Mulch for Military was founded in late 2021 by Francis (Fran) Richard and Gabriel (Gabe) Nutter after Richard noticed the deteriorating condition of veteran grave markers at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Leominster during a visit to his nephew’s marker, fallen hero Pfc. Jonathan Roberge, who was killed in Iraq in 2009. What began as a family observation became a mission: that no veteran’s final resting place should go neglected. Under Fran’s leadership, Mulch for Military has grown from a local idea into a recognized community institution, now serving nine cemeteries across the region. The organization’s landmark Evergreen Project restored 136 military graves, documented with drone photography to preserve the record of that restoration. Mulch for Military is on track to service 300 grave markers in FY2026, expanding into Worcester after building a strong foundation in Leominster. Fran has built a volunteer-driven model that mobilizes community members and corporate partners. He coordinates workdays, volunteer recruitment, and materials sourcing, all while working full-time, to keep this mission moving forward.”
Nomination: “Lori realized that when neighbors face sudden hardships—whether navigating a severe illness, grieving a loss, recovering from an injury, or managing a temporary crisis—a hot, home-cooked meal and a friendly face can make all the difference. Driven by her personal vision to help neighbors support neighbors, Lori founded Meals That Matter in Grafton. What started as an idea to provide comfort and connection has grown into a lifeline for 40-50 local families each week.”
Nomination:”Patrick has been working at Best Buddies for over seven years, and during his time at the non-profit I’ve seen firsthand how he and his team provide job opportunities to individuals with wide ranges of disabilities in Central Mass and throughout New England to companies of all shapes and sizes.
When I was still working at Polar Park, we’d collaborate with Patrick’s team on opportunities with some of our gameday staff, and he was instrumental in helping us have a more inclusive work environment.
Knowing Patrick, he will likely pass along this recognition to another member of his team, but he’s very deserving of the honor, and Central Mass is very lucky to have organizations like Best Buddies who advocate on behalf of people with disabilities to members of the business community.”
Nomination:”Kelsey has single handedly created messaging on muliple social media platforms that recognizes the rights, contributions, and successes of people with disabilities who live in this community. Since she began this initiative, Venture’s social media presence has grown by 400%, allowing for a massive increase in the number of people who now hear about this. Kelsey also organizes a community blood drive to help the community as well as managing multiple free events each year for families who have children living with autism. These events are often a rare opportunity for some children to enjoy activities in the communities where they live. Kelsey is indeed a dedicated and shining star with boundless creativity and passion!”
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