MARSHFIELD: The Cook Family Charitable Fund (https://donatecookfamily.org/), a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 with a mission of raising funds for families dealing with cancer and substance use, as well as individuals with intellectual disabilities, announced today that the Fund has received a pledge of $100,000 from The Frozen 4 Retail Marijuana Dispensary, scheduled to open its doors in Marshfield this summer.

According to Peter A. Cook, Sr., co-founder of The Cook Family Charitable Fund, the donation from Frozen 4 will be used to support the Fund’s online education course, Substance Use and The Workplace, and will be made available to businesses and Town of Marshfield employees.

Ben Virga, the principal and license holder for Frozen 4, said that he and founder Peter Cook have known each other for a number of years. “As part of our licensing agreement in the community through our application with the Cannabis Control Commission, we need to show how we can positively impact our host community. This plan can include the support of non-profit organizations who make a difference in the town.” He continued, “I have been impressed with the work that The Cook Family Charitable Fund does in the areas of substance abuse and combating addiction, and we are very pleased to be able to partner with them.”

Frozen 4 is additionally supporting the community through the installation of signalized lighting at the intersection of Route 139 and School Street. Virga hopes to have Frozen 4 open and operational before July 4. It will be located at 985 Plain Street, the site of the former Buckles and Boards.

He said, “In our industry it’s important to educate the public that cannabis can provide a beneficial, non-addictive solution for individuals. We fully recognize the dangers that society faces with addiction to substances such as opioids and alcohol, and we believe that our mission fits extremely well with the message that The Cook Family Charitable Fund delivers.

Virga is the owner of a real estate and property management firm in Boston and said that what motivates him in every venture where he gets involved is the chance to make a difference. “I enjoy helping people where I can, whether that has been as a teacher, campus minister, or camp director. From my years at B.C. High, I’ve always believed in the importance of social justice and people helping people.”

Trudy Avery, Executive Director at The Cook Family Charitable Fund, said, “We are very pleased to be one of the selected organizations that Frozen 4 will partner with as they go forward. The work of addiction treatment is a huge one that cuts across many lines of society. Ben’s and Frozen 4’s generosity will help bring our plan of providing vital online education on addiction to the professionals who come in contact with it become reality.”

Peter A. Cook, Sr., co-founder of The Cook Family Charitable Fund, said, “I’ve known Ben for many years and have always admired his sense of entrepreneurism and his mission of giving back to the community and supporting worthwhile causes. We are grateful for his pledge and we welcome him to Marshfield.”