Quarterback,
floral arranger, turkey deliverer, patron of visitation
parish: these are a few of the roles real estate
professional
Kristin Francoeur takes on to serve her community. No matter
what Kristen is doing she is driven to support her loved ones, make
a difference in the Cape Ann region, and work towards a mission
that she believes in.
Can you share any rewarding moments from your work? What
are you most proud of? Where does your drive for philanthropy come
from?
One of my proudest moments was when I participated in a bike
ride from Manhattan to Saratoga, New York to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. My mother
suffered from this awful disease, which eventually took her life,
so this 210-mile ride was near and dear to my heart. I trained for
a year. We were able to raise a record $75,000 to fund
groundbreaking research for a cure. Riding next to people suffering
from the disease while I was healthy was 
what I needed.
Each mile that I pedaled, I felt like my mom was riding right
beside me. I found incredible solace and emotion as I crossed the
finish line. The connection to my mother and the profound sense of
gratification that I felt was the driver behind my passion for
philanthropy. Years later, my sister, who is a senior regional
sales director of gastroenterology for Regeneron, continues to
help those with this disease.
You have participated in many events and organizations
on the North Shore. How do you get involved?
When we first moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea, I was a young mom
and wanted to meet people in my community. I went to the Manchester Community Center and got a welcome packet
with a list of local organizations. I joined every single one,
including the Manchester Garden Club, the Manchester Historical
Society, and more. I was later invited to join the Manchester Woman’s Club and approached by
the Manchester Community Center in 2010, where I’ve served on
the board ever since.
Some opportunities are a bit more organic or just fall into
place. Open
Pantry is an amazing program in Gloucester that tackles food
scarcity on the North Shore. My family joins me in making meals for
our community, and my children and I deliver turkeys to local
families for Thanksgiving. I hear heartbreaking stories each
year, so helping people right in my backyard resonates with me.
Can you share some of the work that you’ve done
with the Manchester Garden Club, the Manchester Historical
Society, and the Manchester Woman’s Club?
I chose the Manchester Garden Club because, when my mother
passed, I visited this garden center at Ingaldsby Farm every Sunday
for three years, where I made beautiful floral and window box
arrangements for the community. The Garden Club makes
arrangements for the local Council On Aging and we plant daffodils
around town. It was and is a form of healing for me.
When I was invited to join the Women’s Club of Manchester.
After the loss of my mother, I enjoyed a cup of tea with these
women as they showed me photos of their grandchildren filled some
of that loss. This past Christmas, this network of women asked me
to participate in the town of Manchester “The Friendship Tree
Lighting.” The tradition dates back to the 1800s. We make
meals for people, contribute to scholarship funds for the high
school, and more.
Apart from local cycling events, you’ve also
participated in a flag football fundraiser. Can you talk about your
experience?
Many people in my life are breast cancer survivors. We
participated in a flag football fundraiser called “Mom
Ball” with a team of eight women and one coach from all over
the North Shore. We practiced for three months, all working towards
the same goal. After the game, we walked off the field and learned
we raised $20,000 for breast cancer research. It was a powerful
moment.
As a busy real estate professional, how do you stay
engaged in philanthropy? Why is giving back a
priority?
Being a real estate professional can be a 24/7 commitment. I am
fortunate enough to have enjoyed some success in this field. I feel
obligated to do what I can to give back to society. If I look hard
enough, I can always carve out an hour or two from my schedule
every so often to volunteer my time, talent, and
treasure.
The bottom line for me is faith. If I have compassion and
empathy for others, everything will fall into place. That’s
my stronghold. I feel so lucky and blessed to be part of
something.
Do you have any recommendations for those considering
taking a deeper dive into philanthropy?
I would recommend anyone considering participating in
philanthropic endeavors to support an organization whose mission
aligns with your values or perhaps with a cause or cure that has
impacted you or your family directly. The passion and commitment
will drive your enthusiasm and increase the chance of a successful
outcome.
Kristin Francoeur is a real estate
professional with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty at
21
Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts |
978.270.7929 | Kristin.Francoeur@GibsonSIR.com