The 2015 third annual Michael G. Santangelo, Jr. Scholarship Event broke new ground and paved the way to enable the fund to be able to assist children in pursuing their educational pursuits at a level I could never have begun to imagine. After raising $20,000.00 each year from the first two events, we were able to give four deserving students, selected by Iona High School, $10,000.00 each in scholarships, $5,000.00 each for their junior year and $5,000.00 each for their senior year. My son Michael would be so proud of how each of you have played such a vital part in keeping his spirit alive.
This year was not only humbling but extraordinary. We started a sponsorship program and raised $33,500.00 through the sponsors’ donations alone. We are forever indebted to each of them and hope they will continue to be a part of this generous endowment so that we can continue to assist children to be able to achieve their educational goals. Incredibly, I am proud to advise each of you that, only with everyone’s help, we were able to raise in excess of $60,000.00 this year through individual donations, donations by sponsors and money that we raised through the silent auction. On December 2, 2015, the night of the event, we gave a check in the amount of $20,000.00 to Soundview Preparatory School to assist a student of their choice in being able to continue with their education at this fine school. The Board is presently in the process of deciding between two New York City Schools to which we will donate an additional scholarship.
Additionally, an outstanding act of generosity occurred that night which helped make this charity one that will hopefully be here long after I am gone. I simply wish that each of you could have been present to witness it. My sister Georgia, my brother in law, Rod, and their best friend, Linda Sandridge, who I have come to consider family, donated a house they own located in Loudoun County, Virginia. Linda, who is a life-tenant of the property, will be paying rent directly to the charity resulting in annual income to the Scholarship Fund of approximately $26,400.00 a year. As I said in my salutation at the December 2, 2015 fundraiser in discussing the growth of the event, “in 2013, we planted a seed. In 2014, we watered it and nurtured it, making sure that it had strong roots. Today, it is as solid as an oak tree which will help children where they need it the most; EDUCATION.”
Next year will be the fourth year of the Event, and as I write this letter on Christmas morning, 2015, I try to fight back the tears but to no avail. The tears are not only tears from my missing my son, Michael, but they are also tears for each of you who helped support this Scholarship Fund, and helped keep Michael’s spirit alive. I invite each of you to drop me a note with any suggestions as to how to improve the event or to advise me of potential schools which you might know of where we can give a scholarship and make a significant difference for a child.
Gratefully Yours,
Michael G. Santangelo