TA Postscripts, Spring 2025 | Page 16

CATCHING UP WITH.... Cynthia( Turgeon) Giroux’ 84

Cynthia and her husband, Dr. Pierre Giroux, own Animal Hospital of Saco and Saco Veterinary Walk-In Care, which opened in 2012 after 16 years in Gray. Postscripts spoke with Cynthia about TA, life, and more.
How did you and Pierre meet?
Jogging on the Ferry Road! A friend was trying to fix us up and that’ s what she came up with.
How many pets do you and he have?
We have three dogs( including Theodora, above) and two cats.
What is your favorite spot in Saco?
I am very fond of Laurel Hill Cemetery and love the daffodil season there.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Truly, the family I have created with my husband and the businesses we have built. Also, being able to be an active member in the community, raising money for charities I believe in, and giving back every way I can.
You’ re very active in the community and do a tremendous amount of work for non-profit organizations. What drives you?
As business owners we have a responsibility to the community that makes you a success. We’ re grateful that we have been so well received and with that comes a responsibility to give back.
Share a couple of examples
I am on the Board of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Rotary Club, currently working on the Fundraising Committee to raise funds for the new splash pad that is being built on Franklin Street. I walked by the Community Center every day going to Young School and am very excited to be part of this project. Also, I’ m on the Steering Committee of 100 Women Who Care. We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and am so very excited that we have collectively given over $ 650,000 to charitable organizations in Southern Maine. Any women out there should consider joining. Finally, Jim Godbout(’ 80) and I started raising money with a lobster / steak bake for charity. This year will be our 5th time hosting. In the four years we’ ve hosted one, we’ ve raised $ 65,000, including $ 15,000 for the splash pad.

" I NEVER TRULY REALIZED THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS UNTIL I STARTED ATTENDING THE AUCTION. IT BECAME MY FAVORITE FUNDRAISER TO GO TO." "

Your two children also graduated from TA( Adam’ 21 and Lydia’ 24). What has changed most from your days at Thornton?
School spirit has not changed. Foreign students have been the biggest difference and the vast assortment of things it has to offer. Beautiful auditorium. Still remember when I was there and“ Fiddler on the Roof " was performed in the gym.
You’ re a long-time supporter of the TA Auction. Why is supporting Thornton important to you?
I never truly realized the needs of the students of TA until I started attending the auctions. Eric Purvis(’ 81) gave us tickets one year and it became my favorite fundraiser to go to when I lived in North Yarmouth. Connected me to my roots. I feel very blessed that this community has supported my husband and myself as we came to the city to open our business. We wouldn’ t be successful if it weren’ t for the people of the city, and with that to me, comes with an obligation and responsibility to give back to it when we can.
What adjectives would you use to describe Thornton? Diverse. A beautiful, unique campus. A sense of community with great student-teacher dynamics. Genuine teachers who are genuinely passionate about teaching.
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