Nipmuc Regional High School alumnus Brendan Buono donated $50,000 to support the Nipmuc Drama Guild as it presented “The Wizard of Oz” from Feb. 7-9. From left to right: Brendan Buono, choral teacher Whitney Simmons, and drama director Matt Fear. (Photo courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District)
MENDON — Superintendent Dr. Maureen Cohen and Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principals John Clements and Mary Anne Moran are pleased to share that alumnus Brendan Buono recently made a $50,000 donation to support the production of school musicals and plays.
The donation, made with the support of Buono’s company, Give Freely, was directed to the Nipmuc Music Boosters to help sustain and enhance the Nipmuc drama program.
Buono was a guest at the Nipmuc Drama Guild’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which ran from Feb. 7-9. Buono was recognized and thanked by the school for his contribution prior to the show on opening night.
Buono, a 2009 graduate of Nipmuc Regional High School, credits the Nipmuc Drama Guild with providing him a sense of belonging and equipping him with skills that continue to benefit him in his professional career. Buono, who holds a computer science degree from Stonehill College, is co-founder and chief technology officer at Give Freely, which first produced a web browser extension that helps people save money and raise funds for charity while they shop online.
Buono hopes the donation will allow the program to continue providing students with enriching, engaging theatrical experiences.
“The Drama Guild was more than just an after-school activity — it was a place where I found belonging and developed skills that I still use today in my professional life,” Buono said. “I want to ensure that future students have the same meaningful experiences and opportunities that meant so much to me.”
The $50,000 donation is meant to help eliminate financial barriers that would otherwise limit the creative ambitions of the Nipmuc Drama Guild in its upcoming productions.
“I want the Drama Guild to have the freedom to choose ambitious productions and provide students with the best possible theater experience, just as they did for me,” Buono said.
The Mendon-Upton Regional School District is grateful for alumni like Buono, whose generosity can make a lasting impact, providing invaluable support to programs and enriching the experiences of current students.
“We are incredibly grateful for Brendan’s generosity and his appreciation of the formational experiences he had during his time with the Nipmuc drama program,” said Superintendent Dr. Cohen. “His donation ensures that future generations of students will have the same opportunities to grow, learn, and create lasting memories through the performing arts.”
Nipmuc Regional High School’s Co-Principals also shared their appreciation for Buono’s generosity.
“The Nipmuc Drama Guild has always been a place where students can discover their talents, collaborate, and gain confidence,” said Co-Principal Clements. “Brendan’s gift is a testament to the lasting impact of the arts and the strong connections students build through this program.”
“We are thrilled to see an alumnus recognize the value of the arts in education and invest in future students,” said Co-Principal Moran. “This donation will directly support our students and will help them create meaningful, high-quality productions for years to come.”
For more information about the Nipmuc Drama Guild, click here.
The Nipmuc Drama Guild, which presented “The Wizard of Oz” from Feb. 7-9, recently received a $50,000 donation from alumnus Brendan Buono to support the production of musicals and plays. (Photo courtesy Brendan Buono)