Zachary Mandel Memorial Fund

Zachary Mandel passed away on October 12, 2020, a few days before his 17th birthday.  Zach was a self-motivated, proudly independent, perceptive and empathic young man. Zach was committed to helping others locally, nationally and internationally.  His service work spanned from helping to run a lacrosse clinic for elementary school aged children in Newton, MA to traveling to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help rebuild homes and clear rain forest paths.

Zach was an enthusiastic student and was excited about pursuing his plans to study Architecture. He played Lacrosse for Newton South High School. He was an avid fisherman, certified scuba diver and adventurous snow boarder. He loved to create and design in his wood-working shop and was incredibly excited when he transformed his ideas into tangible objects.

Zach had a strong work ethic. He started his own snow removal business in Newton, MA and worked every weekend for years refereeing at Ashland Paintball. Zach also held two jobs at local businesses in Long Beach Island, NJ during the summers. (The Parlor and Polly’s Dock and Clamhouse).

Zach was a loyal and supportive friend. His smile lit up the room and his sincerity and compassion for others in need were abundantly evident. Zach volunteered during winters at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Program at Sugarbush and Waterville Valley Ski Resorts, teaching children with disabilities how to ski and snowboard.

"Never Forget"

Zachary Mandel with family

To honor Zach’s memory is to live by his motto: "NEVER FORGET"

  • Love with an open heart and experience the joy of knowing you are loved.
  • Smile more - You will feel better and gain perspective.
  • Know - whatever it is - Fear is the enemy not other people.
  • Just stay positive and be optimistic.
  • Stop being a follower. Have the self-respect and courage to do the right thing.
  • Be kind to people less fortunate than you.
  • Be empathic and give of yourself without wanting anything in return.
  • Give because it’s the right thing to do.
  • Be kind because it’s the right way to live your life. Being kind makes you a better person.
  • The meaning of life comes from finding your passion and pursuing it relentlessly.
  • You have no idea what anyone else is struggling with or suffering from that makes them act the way they do.
  • Try doing one selfless thing every day - you will make the world a better place. You will wake up every morning and like the person you see in the mirror as you brush your teeth.

Where your donations will go

Therapeutic dog photo

The Zachary Mandel Memorial Fund will provide annual grants to charitable organizations that help adults and children with physical and/or emotional disabilities such as:

NEADS - Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans

The Zachary Mandel Memorial Fund will help adults and children with physical disabilities and autism afford therapeutic service dogs.

NEADS is accredited by Assistance Dogs International, the internationally recognized governing body that establishes industry standards and practices.

Today, NEADS offers the widest array of Service Dog programs in the industry, while still holding true to our core mission of producing Service Dogs for individuals with disabilities. We are proud of our reputation as a pioneer, leader, and innovator.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.

Gift instructions

Checks may be made payable to The Boston Foundation with “Zachary Mandel Memorial Fund” in the memo line, and mailed to the attention of:

The Boston Foundation
PO Box 843027
Boston, MA 02284-3027

Credit card donations may be made to the Fund through our GoFundMe fundraiser. All contributions will benefit this fund at the Boston Foundation.

Should you be interested in gifting securities or other assets in support of the fund, please contact Julie Smith-Bartoloni at jsb@tbf.org.

We encourage you to go to GoFundMe to see a more comprehensive list of charities dear to Zach’s heart and a slideshow of the people Zach considered his family.

Tax Implications

The Boston Foundation is a public charity under Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions made to the Boston Foundation receive the maximum charitable dedication as permitted under state and federal law. Each gift to the Boston Foundation in excess of the IRS minimum is eligible to receive a receipt confirming a description of and the date of the gift for the donor's tax records.