Each year Eastern States Exposition (ESE) donates 1% of its annual gross operating revenue to the town of West Springfield to continue the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust. On Thursday, June 25, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and members of the wider team visited Mayor William Reichelt at West Springfield Town Hall to present a check for $351,742 to the trust.

Cassidy, Reichelt and Attorney Mary Paier Powers are all on the board for the trust and were present at the press conference and check presentation. This executive body reviews grant applications and awards a percentage of the donations to applicants. The allotted donation benefits education, youth, athletics and the elderly and combats food insecurity in West Springfield, among other assistance. The remainder accrues with each donation.

As a not-for-profit entity, ESE does not receive federal support, state support or funding from local taxes. This sets The Big E, which has grown to be the fourth largest fair in North America, and the broader organization apart from most fairs. To express appreciation to the populace that continues to support its mission faithfully, ESE partnered with the town to create the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust.

“Congratulations to all who were awarded a grant,” said Mayor Reichelt. “We received a lot of requests this year, and it’s always difficult to whittle down which causes we give to. Thank you for joining us today.”

“I’m proud to be at the helm of an organization capable of giving back to West Springfield,” said Cassidy. “Our total payments to the town in 2025 were more than $2.2 million across taxes, licensing and more. Even with significant expenditures, we continue to grow the trust.

“Since it was first founded more than three decades ago in 1995,” continued Cassidy, “Eastern States Exposition has contributed $6.1 million to West Springfield through the trust. When we started, it was easy to decide where grants would be awarded because we had so few applicants. Now, it’s difficult to choose between the many impactful projects proposed. We are proud to invest in the town we call home and the people that live there.”

The list of organizations that benefited from the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust includes a broad scope of community interests, from schools to sports teams to local programs:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Mass.
• West Springfield Wildcats Youth Baseball
• West Springfield Public Schools
• American Legion Post 207
• The Parish Cupboard, Inc.
• The American legion
• Local parishes
• The West Springfield High School (WSHS) Italian Cultural Club
• West Springfield Parks & Recreation
• WSHS Boys Basketball
• West Springfield Veterans Memorial Fund
• WSHS Hockey Booster Club
• WSHS Field Hockey Booster Club
• West Springfield Garden Club
• WSHS Varsity Girls Cross Country, Track and Field Program
• West Springfield Public Library
• West Springfield Girls Youth Lacrosse
• Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
• Ramapogue Historical Society
• Center for Human Development (CHD): Cancer House of Hope
• First Robotics Team
• West Side Neighborhood Rehab, Inc.
• West Springfield Boys & Girls Club
• West Springfield Tree Committee
• West Springfield Music Parents Association

Those interested in submitting a grant application can do so through TownofWestSpringfield.org.

Many recipients attended the press conference, including Aimee Giroux, Executive Director of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The organization offers a homeownership program for families looking to own their own homes, preservation programs for those that need help with home repairs, volunteer opportunities, free educational clinics on economics and more. Last year alone, they built 77 homes, repaired 58 homes, served individuals from 23 towns in our immediate region, including West Springfield, and received engagement from 220 volunteers.

“Right now, as everyone knows, is a very challenging time, so being able to get grant funding really does support the work that we do. We are truly appreciative of this opportunity,” said Giroux. “Having this funding means we can offer these services. Without this type of funding, we can’t do it. Our programs are something people need—learning how to budget your money, how to make every dollar go a little farther—so we are glad we can continue thanks to this grant.”

As one of the Town of West Springfield’s largest economic contributors, Eastern States Exposition provided more than $2.2 million in direct payments and community support in 2025. Contributions included over $2.1 million in real estate taxes, public safety services, utility fees, licenses and other municipal payments, in addition to nearly $85,000 in added value through complimentary admission tickets for West Springfield schools, support for West Springfield High School graduation and resident parking benefits. Through these investments, ESE continues to strengthen the host community that has been its home for 110 years.