At their September 2004 meeting, the Doolittle Home Board of Trustees unanimously voted to create a financial assistance program for deserving applicants for Life Care residency. It was named The Evelyn Thomas Fund to honor the memory of Evelyn who was a resident of the home for 12 years and its most generous benefactor. The fund was announced at the Open House.

According to Jack Authelet, who heads the volunteer Board of Trustees, "residents of Doolittle Home enjoy the highest standards of care in the industry and the peace of mind in knowing it will continue the remainder of their lives."

He explained, "Our unique Life Care contract is based on a single initial payment plus the individual's monthly Social Security and/or pension. They enjoy financial security in knowing that no additional funds will be required, and that housing and medical needs will be met regardless of any changes in health status. Our Life Care agreement means care for life, a commitment that is not altered by any increased longevity the resident may enjoy."

The key to the financial arrangements for Life Care residency is that initial up-front payment based on present day value of the money, the balance of which is refundable if the individual does not remain at Doolittle Home through the anticipated life expectancy. He emphasized that, "most important, is the fact there is no additional charge if the individual exceeds life expectancy."

Occasionally we have a qualified, deserving applicant who meets all criteria for admission with the exception of being able to make the full financial commitment required. Through the generosity of Evelyn Thomas and the charitable support of outside donations, we are able to offer deserving applicants limited financial assistance toward their Life Care payment.

Evelyn Thomas was a true daughter of the community, spending her entire life in Foxboro including her last 12 years as a resident of Doolittle Home.

A woman ahead of her times, Evelyn was a 1929 graduate of Foxboro High School, Cushing Academy in 1930 and Brown University in 1934. She worked as a statistician at The Foxboro Company retiring in 1977.

Attending Bethany Church, she was a member of the Monday Night Club and Women's Union. She was also a member of the Foxboro Women's Club.

A covered bridge enthusiast, Evelyn and her husband Ed devoted many years to the appreciation and restoration of New England covered bridges.

Active in Girl Scouts as a young girl, Evelyn became a Girl Scout leader, and served as co-director of the former Rocky Knoll Girl Scout Day Camp in Foxboro. Ed shared her interest and together they developed the Uniform Exchange Program through which used uniforms could be donated and reconditioned for use by girls entering Girl Scouts.

Evelyn Thomas passed away in 2000 at the age of 90. In her will, she was most generous to various covered bridge societies, Bethany Congregational Church, the Foxborough Historical Society, and The Doolittle Home.

"It is through her generosity and the continued support of outside donations that the Trustees of Doolittle Home are able to establish a financial assistance program to assist qualified and deserving Life Care applicants, " said Jack Authelet. "We are so pleased to be able to do this in memory of Evelyn Thomas."

If you would like to contribute to the Evelyn Thomas Fund, please send your checks to Doolittle Home. Doolittle Home is a public charity under section 501 (3) c of the IRS code.