Keeping Junie’s spirit alive
Chelmsford mother collaborates with local businesses for playground fundraiser
CHELMSFORD >> Junie Dillon came into the world at “a really dark time,” her mom, Kristen Dillon, said. Born April 2020, the young girl shined like “a ray of light” to those around her, Dillon said.
At just 2 and a half years old, Junie’s light went out, but her kind, joyful spirit lives on in her family’s hearts and soon within the community she once called home.
Since Junie’s passing, Dillon has been fundraising for the creation of Junie’s Place, an addition to the playground to Friendship Park at Roberts Field designed to accommodate children aged 2-5. The park was where Junie spent nearly every Monday, Dillon said, and they’ve already raised about $52,000 of their $145,000 goal.
To assist the cause, Dillon is orchestrating Junie’s Joy, a twoweek partnership with local businesses that will donate a portion of their proceeds to the potential park. More than 20 Chelmsford businesses have joined the collaborative effort, which starts June 16 and runs to June 30.
That support “means everything” to Dillon.
“This is such an unimaginably painful experience, to go through child loss, and especially without any reason. Junie just didn’t wake up one day, it wasn’t that there was any trauma or tragedy that led to her death,” she said. “And so it’s been just incredibly moving and meaningful to have the entire community rally around us and support us and hold us up during this time.”
Pure Barre, AB Dance, 110 Crossfit and other exercise spots and dance studios are accepting optional donations to the fundraiser. Mom Squad will offer 15% off gift cards, Maggie’s Other Farm is hosting a dining night on June 19 and Teal Hair and Makeup will discount online and in-store sales by 15%.
Kristin Erhartic, owner of
women’s boutique Druzy Rose, is running a reservation-only shopping party June 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the store, after which she’ll donate 10% of cumulative sales from that day and the day prior.
Erhartic’s daughter, Emilia, is 2 years and 9 months old and loves Friendship Park just as much as Junie did, Erhartic said. It’s the reason why their family has already donated to Junie’s Place and why she’s proud to work alongside other business owners to raise awareness and funds.
“I’m really, really, really hoping that with the community, business-wise, working together to try to donate some of that money,” Erhartic said, “I’m fingers crossed that this project gets completed and this beautiful little girl is remembered in such a positive way.”
The park expansion aims to feature a seesaw, interactive structures and “sensory equipment,” according to a description on the Friends of Roberts Field website.
Dillon said the fundraiser will conclude in January 2024, and they hope to install the equipment at the beginning of that summer.
“I wanted to do something that honored her at a place that she loved and also give back to the community,” Dillon said.
Though she’s been available to provide guidance and resources, Chelmsford Business Development Director Lisa Marrone said the initiative is all individually run by Dillon and other Chelmsford residents.
The overwhelming support for the cause is indicative of the local business community, Marrone said, which “rises to the occasion,” especially for an important, personal mission.
“For me, the businesses that I work with are all just really genuine businesses,” Marrone said. “They care about their community, they care about the issues that we try to address, and I’m not too surprised that they’re stepping it up to get involved in this fundraiser that really strikes to the heart.”
Graze Chelmsford — a charcuterie and cheese board business — will be hosting a candle painting class and a mini cheese board across two different classes, and 20% of those classes will go to Junie’s Place, owner Abby Thatcher said. The store will also donate 20% of sales across the entire two-week period.
A member of the Chelmsford Mothers’ Club, along with Dillon, Thatcher heard about Junie’s story and was compelled to take action. Having just opened her business in December, the lifelong Chelmsford resident said Junie’s Joy was the perfect opportunity to both promote her new venture and allow “kids to enjoy the playground.”
“It’s really nice because I grew up here, too, so it’s been really cool to see all the fun things happening,” Thatcher said. “I’ve been here for 35 years, and I bought a house here, started my business here, got married here, and I love it so much that I don’t think I’m going to leave.”
The strong showing from the business community and beyond for the nonprofit is admirable and a source of pride for Marrone.
“It goes well beyond just the point of commerce,” Marrone said. “This is a family in need, and they’re all rallying for the cause.”