The Jay Kistler Foundation-A Better Life™, Inc. is a Federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity and a Massachusetts chapter 180 nonprofit corporation.
Details are available on the About Us & Thanks page.
Profile of Jay
In November 2007 our family suffered the terrible loss of my godson Jay from an accident related to substance abuse. Jay was a wonderful young man blessed with an artistic and gentle soul.
Even as he struggled to find his place in life, he retained an appreciation for much of its beauty. His passions were his family and friends, his beloved dog Callie, drawing, scuba diving, sailing, and reaching out to others.
An Art Major at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Jay also earned a degree from The French Culinary Institute in New York City. His creativity was as evident in his artwork as in his cooking.
Our family wished to honor Jay’s memory by creating a foundation bearing his name to help others create “A Better Life” for themselves.
Mission Statement
The Jay Kistler Foundation-A Better Life™, Inc. has resolved to honor Jay’s belief in helping others deal with life’s challenges. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events will be earmarked for causes ranging from substance abuse care to academic improvement. The Foundation’s promise to supporters is that it will continually seek out beneficiaries whose purpose enables individuals to find and remain on the right course in life.
Beneficiaries
In keeping with Jay’s artistic abilities, the Foundation will enable enhancements to the art therapy program at the McLean Center at Fernside in Princeton, Massachusetts.
The Foundation will also provide scholarships in Jay’s name to the Belmont Hill School Summer Program.
More information about our beneficiaries is on the A Better Life page.
Jay Kistler
Foundation Annual
Fundraiser:
September Walk through Mass Audubon's Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009
Read more about the walk on the Events page, and thank you for your support!
Habitat is the former estate of Ruth Atkins Churchill whose house now serves as the visitor center.
Run by the Mass Audubon Society, Habitat is a wildlife sanctuary that is actively managed for the benefit of native plants and animals. Over 2.5 miles of trails wind through woods, across meadows, around two ponds and along a wetland containing vernal pools.