Famous for offering world-class concerts at the Shaboo Inn, he was crowned “Cupid” in Willimantic for his charitable contributions to various community projects and non-profit organizations, and now his legendary generosity has extended to Hampton in an extraordinary way with a gift of $100,000 to the Fire Department for a much needed project and equipment.

David “Lefty” Foster, a resident of our town, was among three recipients of awards at the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held on April 20 at Stonehurst at Hampton Valley, where Peter Deary of Day Kimball Health Care received the Civic Achievement Award, Monique Wolanin of Quinnebaug Valley Community College received the Community Champion Award, and Foster received the Humanitarian Award, a perfect reflection of his life principle: to help those in need and those who help others.

In presenting Foster with the award, Arvind Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Generations Health Care, introduced him as one of the original owners of the Shaboo Inn, from 1971 to 1982, a renowned venue that brought artists such as Muddy Waters, Sting, and Bonnie Raitt to our area. For the last forty years, he has lent his own musical talents to the fabulous Shaboo All-Stars, allowing him the privilege of playing with other national stars in the music community, and has inspired musicians to support local causes, resulting in the funding of several vital services.

The community has benefitted greatly from his charitable acts, Shaw said, with Foster’s unwavering efforts to alleviate poverty, hunger and homelessness, and to enhance health care and support people with disabilities. Summarizing, and abbreviating, an exhaustive list, Shaw said Foster provided the seed money for the Shaboo Stage in Downtown Willimantic, funded the Dining Hall for Camp Horizons, organized concerts to pay the mortgage for the Covenant Soup Kitchen, as well as purchasing a van to transport food, donated to Generations Health Care and Windham Hospital’s oncology department, his foundation donating over a quarter of a million to the No-Freeze Project for the total purchase of a building to serve as a local shelter.  Ever a patron of the arts, he has also contributed to the Windham Theater Guild and the Bread Box Theater.

Compassion was a recurring word throughout the presentation of Foster’s award, demonstrated in his genuine concern for, and steadfast commitment to, those who are at risk of “falling through the cracks”, his generosity extending not only to marginalized people, but also to those who care for them.  Other nominees had this to say of Foster:

“…his generosity in Willimantic and beyond has been a light in the darkness for many non-profit organizations…”

“…thank you for lifting us all and setting an example of caring…”

“…he knows our mission and those we serve…”

Here in Hampton, in helping the Fire Department, Foster is helping those who, perhaps, help us more than any other of our town’s many volunteers.

In accepting his award, Foster congratulated the other winners and nominees and recognized them for their accomplishments.  “I can’t believe I’m in your company,” he said. “Your legacy is reflected in the many lives you have touched.” He also recognized those in need, and offering a prayer for our “Ukranian friends”, led the audience in a few verses of “Amen”. And, of course, he recognized the Hampton Fire Company, calling members to the podium when he received the award and thanking them for their service. “I’m in awe of all volunteer Fire Department members,” he said, “who risk their lives every day”.  Foster’s gift will help facilitate the Fire Department’s  efforts through the paving of the parking lot and the purchase of the Hurst tool, the “Jaws of Life” so essential for the department’s Emergency Medical Responders who are the first at the scene, treating patients before the ambulance arrives.

Foster also thanked his wife Marilyn and his brother Mark for all of their help and support, and First Selectman Allan Cahill. Calling himself “apolitical”, he told the audience, “I like what he’s doing”. Lastly, Foster recognized our beautiful town, and thanked Craig Gates for recognizing its beauty and investing here in the evening’s venue, Stonehurst at Hampton Valley. “I love Hampton very much,” was a sentiment he repeated.  “I care deeply about everyone in Hampton, and I wanted to do something for the town.”

Another recurring theme – “helping people who need help.” To that end, Foster asked those in attendance to support his efforts to raise money for the Covenant Soup Kitchen. He also used the opportunity to announce a quarter of a million dollar donation for scholarships at Eastern Connecticut State University, as well as funds for music schools.

In presenting the award, Fire Chief Rich Schenk noted that “compassion is the word that surrounds us tonight. To have someone like David recognize us means the world.”  First Selectman Cahill, whose presence Foster also requested at the podium, proclaimed him “an honorary member of the Hampton Fire Company.”

“I’ve lived in Hampton for 26 years, and I’m told that in another 25 years, I’ll look like a real Hampton citizen”, Foster quipped.  This generous gesture, however, certainly shaved off at least a few of those years. And like any self-respecting Hamptonite, in return he asked for only one thing:  a dump sticker, which was bestowed upon him by Deputy Chief Noel Waite.

Thank you, David Foster. The Fire Department, and all who they serve, thank you. See you at the swap shack!

Dayna McDermott