FRAMINGHAM, MA –‘Salute to Framingham‘, an organization created in 1992 to honor individuals for their outstanding commitment and service to Framingham’s youth has announced Sharon Gilbert and Tony Tolson as 2013 honorees.

Sharon Gilbert is the founder of Timothy’s Toy Box, a Framingham based non-profit established in 1997 to help local children in need and distribute toys to them during the holiday season.

Sharon, a Framingham native and Framingham Northgraduate, works tirelessly throughout the year to fund-raise, collect donations, and wrap and distribute the toys.  Each year since the inception of Timothy’s Toy Box in 2007, requests for help have grown.

In 2012, Timothy’s Toy Box provided toys for more than 1600 local children, including those in shelters.  Sharon’s efforts go beyond that of a typical toy drive:  she works closely with the local shelters to gather wish lists for the children to ensure they receive gifts they have requested. They also bring stuffed animals, toys and books to the Pediatric Unit at MetroWest Hospital and the Children’s Hospital Cancer Center.

Sharon credits her 9 year old son Timothy for being her faithful partner at Timothy’s Toy Box.

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Tony Tolson, a Framingham native, has been active in the Town of Framingham youth sports for the past 10 years.  As part of the Framingham Youth Football League, he has served as a coach and as a member on the Board of Directors.  In 2011, his team won the State Championship, (the first in Framingham history), and went on to compete in the National Championship in Florida.

Tony also coaches youth basketball, including CYO Basketball, TBA Basketball and YMCA Basketball.  His coaching style is to focus on fundamentals and theory.  Tony strongly believes in education first, sports second, and encourages each of his players to pursue a college education.

When he is not coaching sports, Tony is involved in fundraising for the homeless, food pantries and shelters, as well as Breast Cancer awareness initiatives

Sharon and Tony join a select group of people who have made a real difference in the lives of the children of Framingham.

This year, the Salute to Framingham will present the Jim O’Connor Community Service Award to Samaritans, Inc.  Named for former FHS Athletic Director and founder of the Salute to Framingham, this award honors an organization whose work benefits the youth of Framingham.

Samaritans, Inc. serves the greater Boston and Metrowest communities in Massachusetts.  A non-denominational, not-for-profit volunteer organization is dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide by befriending individuals in crisis and educating the community about effective prevention strategies, Samaritans, Inc. serves more than 100,000 people each year.  The services provided focus on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.  Their life-saving services are possible because of the help each year of more than 400 volunteers – 100 of them teen volunteers.

In addition to these honorees, the Salute also recognizes Framingham teachers and staff who make each day “special” in our public schools.  We also acknowledge graduating FHS students who positively impact the school community.

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The 2013 Salute to Framingham will take place on Wednesday, March 27th at 6:00pm in the ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel, 1657 Worcester Road (Rt. 9), in Framingham, MA.

All proceeds from the Salute to Framingham benefit the Framingham High School Foundation which supports the extracurricular Activities, Arts, and Athletics at Framingham High School.

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