Established in 2008 from the estate of Mark J. Keating, this permanent scholarship fund will benefit students attending St. Joseph School in Bristol. Mr. Keating, who, in his will, established the scholarship fund was a proud alumnus of St. Joseph School who valued the benefit of his education obtained at the now 106-year old Catholic elementary school. Mark was devoted to his family and community. He was an unassuming man who left a legacy that encourages faith, family and community service for deserving youth for years to come.
FUNDS
These awards were established in 2002 by retired teacher Dorothy Ives for two reasons. The first, the Ken E. Micloskey Award, was to honor her late son, Ken, by giving an award to a Terryville High School senior who is a member of the school’s track and/or cross-country team to assist them with further education. The second, the Dorothy Micloskey Ives Award, is to support a high school senior from Terryville or Bristol who would like to pursue a vocation or apprenticeship in one of the following areas: dance/gymnastics, drama/stagecraft, music, or some form of creative writing.
This fund was established to honor the memory of Kristen Warner who died in a tragic automobile accident in 2004 at the young age of thirteen. Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors from Southington High School.
The fund was established in 2015 in memory of Kristen Brittany Milano, who died tragically in a house fire caused by fireworks on June 22, 2014 at the age of 19. The fund will provide an annual grant to the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs for the purpose of organizing and facilitating a community-wide fire safety education program which includes information specific to the dangers of fireworks.
Established in 2007 to honor the memory of Kristen Warner who died in a tragic automobile accident in 2004 at the young age of thirteen. Kristen was a vibrant and happy youth whose smile was contagious. This fund will keep Kristen’s generous and loving spirit alive by fulfilling a variety of “wishes” for youth through Southington Community Services.
This fund was established in 2020 by Dr. Davia Shepard. Dr. Shepard founded Ladies Power Lunch, a collective of women from a wide range of businesses that only has one rule: support each other. Ladies Power Lunch offers free educational monthly business or personal development workshops, and throughout the year hosts summits, conferences and retreats. Dr.
Laura Schlesinger Minor established this fund in 2017 to ensure the work of the Women & Girls Fund at Main Street Community Foundation continues past her lifetime. Distributions from the fund will support those initiatives identified by the Women & Girls’ Fund. Laura, a participant in the Women & Girls Fund’s early focus groups, is including a bequest in her estate plan to further fund this endowment.
This memorial scholarship fund was established by Heidi DellaBianca in 2010 to honor her late husband’s wish to encourage people working at least part-time to pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants may be graduating seniors or graduates of Farmington High School currently enrolled in a post-secondary 2-year, 4-year or technical school.
Established in 2010 by the Leading Ladies of Southington, this permanent fund provides a source of immediate response grants to help women and girls in Southington who are in need of assistance with emphasis on basic needs, health, safety, education or employment opportunities.
This fund was established by the Leger family in 2005 as a scholarship fund to assist Bristol women returning to higher education at least ten years after graduating from high school. The family wished to support the special challenges faced by women in the workplace while helping them to make a better life for themselves and their children.
Established in 1997 by former local residents Peter and Lena Korotie to do something special to help children in Bristol. The award is given to students who are attending or will attend St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol.
Ed and Laura Lorenson established this donor advised fund to support a variety of charitable organizations primarily in the communities served by Main Street Community Foundation. Ed, a founder of MSCF, together with his wife Laura, have always been supporters of the greater Bristol community and have made it their mission to improve the lives of those around them.
The family of Louis Rascoe established this fund on the occasion of his retirement from the field of education where he spent 27 years in the Plymouth Public School System. An annual scholarship is awarded to a student from Plymouth entering the field of education
This fund was established in 2014 and honors Louise (Humphrey) Van Gorder. Louise and her husband Bob have enriched the lives of thousands of students and music lovers through their Bristol String Orchestra and business, Fiddlin’ Around located in Bristol. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a music student currently in 9th through 12th grade to attend a one-week camp experience at Laurel Music Camp.
This fund will honor the memory of Louise Lauretano DeMars who passed away January 9, 2023. Louise’s contributions to the museum industry were many. Most notably in the greater Bristol community, her 28-year tenure as the Executive Director of the New England Carousel Museum established the museum as a national tourist destination. Louise was a valued member of many organizations and associations over the course of her career. This fund will continue her joy and passion for art while inspiring future artists.
In early 2023, the Bristol Board of Education established this fund in collaboration with the Bristol Police Department to honor Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy for their selfless service, and to remember the sacrifice Dustin and Alex made to the community of Bristol. Both were killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2022. Two scholarships will be awarded annually to a graduating senior at Bristol Central High School and a graduating senior at Bristol Eastern High School who are pursuing a major in public safety and/or criminal justice.
Established in 2018, this fund supports non-sport, noncompetitive programs and activities for children attending elementary and middle schools in Southington. Programs and activities supported through grants will involve direct and active participation by the children, and programs and activities will promote and encourage self-expression and personal accomplishment.
Started in 2006 with a donation from the Yarde Metals NapCar Event, this fund will provide immediate response grants to address the needs of children under the age of 18, with an emphasis on basic needs or special opportunities. The Yarde Metals Company wishes to encourage other citizens to contribute to the fund for the general well-being of area youth.
This fund was established in 2000 with a $10,000 gift from an anonymous donor to support the operations and activities of Main Street Community Foundation. Many donors, including Board members, Founders and staff, have since contributed to the fund.
The Main Street Community Foundation Memorial Fund accepts memorial donations not otherwise included in or eligible to be a separate named fund. This fund provides a permanent source of funding for charitable projects and programs which will enhance the quality of life for citizens of the service area of the Foundation.
