Annual event celebrating community impact will take place June 26 at Pelham House Resort
Cape Cod, MA — Cape and Islands United Way has announced Puritan Cape Cod will be honored with the organization’s Visionary Award at its annual Best Night of the Year celebration on June 26, 2026, at the Pelham House Resort.
The Visionary Award recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to community embody the mission of Cape and Islands United Way. Puritan Cape Cod has long been known throughout the region not only as the premier clothier and a successful fourth-generation family business, but for its unwavering dedication to supporting the Cape Cod community.
For more than a century, Puritan Cape Cod has been guided by the founding philosophy of Abraham Penn, who believed in “making a friend, not a sale.” That principle continues to shape the company’s culture today, with third-generation owners Rick and Jim Penn carrying forward a tradition of philanthropy and community engagement.
“If you do business in the community, you must give back to it,” has long been a guiding belief for the Penn family. Over the years, they have supported numerous local organizations and initiatives, including Cape Cod Healthcare, youth programs, arts organizations, and community nonprofits. Their ongoing efforts include charitable events, benefit shopping nights for local causes, and meaningful contributions such as donating coats to local children during the company’s 100th anniversary celebration.
“We are thrilled to honor Puritan Cape Cod with this year’s Visionary Award,” said Mark Skala, CEO of the Cape and Islands United Way. “The company’s belief in giving back has strengthened countless organizations and initiatives across Cape Cod. That leadership shows how local businesses can make a powerful and lasting impact in the communities they serve.”
The Visionary Award will be presented at Best Night of the Year, the Cape and Islands United Way’s signature annual fundraising event. The evening brings together business leaders, community partners, donors, and volunteers for a celebration of philanthropy and community spirit.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Visionary Award from The Cape and Islands United Way. When our grandfather started Puritan in 1919, he had two founding principles, service to the customer and service to the community,” said Rick Penn of Puritan Cape Cod. “Puritan was built on the belief that success and service go hand in hand, and giving back has been part of our DNA for more than 100 years. Working with the Cape and Islands United Way, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful community collaboration can be. We’re incredibly grateful for the work they do every day.”
Funds raised through Best Night play a vital role in supporting the work of Cape and Islands United Way, which partners with more than 30 local nonprofits to fund programs addressing critical needs across the region. Through these partnerships, the organization helps improve the lives of more than 50,000 people each year by advancing education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.
“Best Night is truly a celebration of our community coming together,” said Skala. “This year is a special opportunity to recognize Rick and Jim Penn, as well as the entire team at Puritan Cape Cod who make a difference while raising the resources needed to help our neighbors thrive.”
“For more than a century, Puritan has been part of the fabric of Cape Cod, not just as a business, but as neighbors, friends, and community members. We’re honored by this recognition, which truly belongs to our incredible team and to the Cape Cod community we’re so proud to serve,” stated Jim Penn.
More than one-third of the funds distributed by Cape and Islands United Way each year are raised through its events, with Best Night of the Year serving as the organization’s largest and most impactful fundraiser.
Businesses and community members interested in attending or sponsoring the event can learn more at https://www.capeandislandsuw.org/bestnight.
About Cape and Islands United Way
Cape and Islands United Way works to improve lives across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. By partnering with local nonprofits and community organizations, Cape and Islands United Way helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, every family can work toward self-reliance, and every person has a safe place to call home.