The Alex's Smile Fund
The Meeting Street Family was touched by an amazing little boy named Alex. His smile touched so many lives and continues to inspire all of us. Alex attended Meeting Street’s Bright Futures early learning center and he was a happy and much-loved little boy. Sadly, Alex passed away suddenly in October 2005. Prior to his passing, his mother, MJ Miniati, had pledged to raise $1 million in Alex’s lifetime to support The Alex’s Smile Fund at Meeting Street. We were incredibly moved by MJ’s pledge to now raise $1 million in her lifetime as a loving tribute to her amazing son, Alex. The Alex’s Smile Fund supported the construction of the Therapeutic Pool in our new building and continues to support all aquatic and pool-related activities.
MJ had competed in the Barrington Bayside YMCA Triathlon by pulling Alex in a rowboat for the ½-mile swim, towing him in a trailer attached to her bike for the 12-mile ride and pushing his stroller for the 5K run, inspiring cheers along the way. The goal was to raise funds to support Meeting Street and generate awareness about inclusion at the same time. The “A Team” included a number of family and friends who participated in the triathlon.
The Annual Phi Gamma Delta / Kappa Rho & Friends Charity Golf Tournament to benefit The Alex’s Smile Fund at Meeting Street has also contributed significantly to the support of the Fund. This annual golf outing takes place every fall at Metacomet Country Club and is a fun way to support The Alex’s Smile Fund. In addition, contributions can be made directly to the Fund at any time.