The following letter thanking longtime Newtown resident and philanthropist Howard Lasher was received from the Parks & Recreation Department for publication in The Newtown Bee:

To our dear Howard,

I am just touching base to let you know where our summer camps stand with this whole COVID situation. It looks like we will be able to hold our camps — thank goodness! We have been given the go ahead to start just one week later than originally planned, so we will be offering camp starting June 29, 2020.

We have had so many scholarship applications, and as a result of your donation of Berkshire Hathaway stock and other monies, coupled with your countless friends at your Addison Reserve winter homestead [in Florida] and your Wall Street days, we have been able to honor nearly every one of these requests. You are making a huge impact on these children’s lives, and it is needed now more than ever.

How lucky our community is to have you and your lovely philanthropic friends! I can only begin to imagine the ripple effect your generosity will have for decades to come. Thank you so very much.

With our sincerest gratitude,

Amy Mangold, Director

Newtown Parks & Recreation

8 Simpson Street, Newtown June 22, 2020