David Louis Cunha Foundation 2019 Scholarships

 DAVID LOUIS CUNHA FOUNDATION  SCHOLARSHIP 2019

This scholarship was created in the loving memory and honor of David Louis Cunha, a 2012 graduate of Smithfield High School, and will be awarded to students who have excelled in community service.

David Cunha was born on January 1, 1994.   Though David lived with a congenital heart defect, he was vibrant, courageous and FULL OF LIFE.  With his infectious smile and wonderfully outgoing personality, he was a friend to all.  David was and continues to be a true inspiration to all who knew him.

David was a 2012 graduate of Smithfield High School and a member of The National Honor Society.  He was a junior at Rhode Island College majoring in Mass Media Communications.  David worked for the Rhode Island State Senate for six years and dedicated much of his free time to numerous non-profit organizations and community service.   David had a warm and giving heart and a strong and admirable character.  He had countless friends and family who loved him dearly and continue to do so now even more.  David passed unexpectedly in January, 2015.  The David Louis Cunha Foundation was created in David’s loving memory and honor and to continue his commitment to helping others less fortunate than he.  Helping children was a cause close to David’s heart.

The David Louis Cunha Foundation will award scholarships to selected applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduating Smithfield High School senior accepted for the 2019-2020 school year to an accredited university, college, junior college, technical school, or other educational institute.
  • Exemplifies David’s compassion and commitment to helping others through community service, good citizenship, and respect.

Each applicant must submit a list of present and past community service activities, along with a short essay.  For the essay, please choose one or two of your activities and address how others benefited from your involvement, and how these experiences contributed to your personal growth.

Applications must be postmarked or submitted no later than Friday, March 15, 2019.  Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee appointed by the Foundation. Scholarships will be announced at Smithfield High School Honors Night. Scholarships will be dispersed to recipients upon enrollment verification.

Please complete the following and return it along with your typed activity sheet and essay to the mailing address given below.  Please remember applications must be postmarked no later than  Friday, March 15, 2019. 

Submit online, or Print and mail to: David Louis Cunha Foundation Scholarship c/o Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cunha  563 Log  Road Smithfield, RI  02917

    Student Information

    University, College, Junior College, Technical School you will be attending or have applied to:

    Community Service Projects

    Essay

    Directions: Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when writing your essay and check it again before you submit your essay.

    2018 Comes To An End – Thank You All For Your Wonderful Support !

    Dear Friends, 

    Since its inception in 2015, the David Louis Cunha Foundation has been privileged to provide over $ 38,500.00 in donations to Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts children in need.  In 2018, David's Foundation was able to proudly donate $ 15,050.00 to these children.  And all we do is made possible by YOU.

    Thanks to your kind generosity and most valued support, David’s Foundation was able to accomplish the following in 2018:

    On January 1st, to commemorate David’s 24th birthday, the David Louis Cunha Foundation donated an additional $ 1,750.00 to the Edward Madden Open Hearts Camp to purchase a much-needed new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) along with three sets of adult & child pads, and backup batteries.  An AED is used to react to and treat sudden cardiac arrest.  This AED is crucial to the operation of the camp and the well being of the campers.

    • February – Monster Tough 4 Davis Fundraiser. A donation of $ 500.00 was given to the Monster Tough 4 Davis Fundraiser in Warwick.  The fundraiser was for Davis McLarnon, a three-year-old boy who was  diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  Funds went towards medical bills for the family.
    • May - Scholarships to Smithfield High School. Two $1,000.00 scholarships were awarded to two graduating seniors who excelled more than any of their classmates in community service.
    • July - A Wish Come True / Warwick, RI. A donation of $ 3,000.00 was given to sponsor a young boy’s wish for him and his family to visit Disney World.  Davis is a four year who has been battling a form of brain cancer for quite some time now.  But he was well enough to visit Disney and stay at Give Kids The World Village, the same place David, Cheryl & Peter stayed twenty years ago.
    • July – Open Hearts Camp. A donation of $ 2,000.00 was given to Open Hearts Camp to sponsor eight for a two-week stay.  This camp hosts cardiac children who have undergone open-heart surgeries, many of who have received heart transplants.
    • August – Children’s Wishes / Warwick, RI. A donation of $ 2,000.00 was given to help sponsor a young girl’s wish for her and her Mom & Dad to visit Disney World in Florida.  Four year old Violet was born with cancer, Infantile Fibrosarcoma.

    And this past Christmas season, David's Foundation was most pleased to have been able to donate $ 3,800.00 to the following groups & agencies who specifically help children…children who do not experience the joys of Christmas that most do…children with no homes or who are away from their homes for good reason…children who are in great need of some Christmas kindness.

    Adoption Rhode Island
    Banner Of Love
    Christmas Is For Kids
    Friends Way
    Layla’s Dream Toy Drive
    Saint Michael’s Parish Outreach
    Smithfield Rotary Club
    Tannerhill House

     

    The David Louis Cunha Foundation once again wishes to heartfully and most sincerely thank you for your caring, kindness and support...support in so many ways.  We welcome 2019 as another year we are blessed to be able to reach out and help children.  As always, if you should know of a family or children’s agency or group who you believe David’s Foundation could help, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We ALL make a wonderful team.  And all we do, is always in the LOVING MEMORY AND HONOR OF OUR DAVID

     

     

     

    THANK YOU !! The 4th Annual David Louis Cunha Foundation Fundraiser – A HUGE SUCCESS !

    Hello Everyone,
    The 4th Annual David Louis Cunha Foundation Fundraiser was a HUGE SUCCESS !
    After all expenses were paid, the event raised over $ 33,000.00 !!
    A MOST SINCERE AND HEARTFELT THANK YOU to all of you for your support.  We have so much planned for this Christmas season and 2019 promises to be an exceptional year for David’s Foundation. We will be able to reach out to and aid more children in need than ever before. And all that David’s Foundation will accomplish, and has accomplished these past four years, is due to your caring and your continued support. Thank you all once again so very much, and look for more good news to come.

    The David Louis Cunha Foundation would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following for their support of our 4th Annual Fundraiser.  

    Our Sponsors:

    Ann Sabbagh & Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

    BankRI

    Anthony DiPaola & FGX International

    Anonymous

    Todd & Susan Harris

    Jeffrey & Lisa Popper

    William & Maryann Tsonos

    Jim & Maggie Busam

    Mark & Peggy Plociak

    Mark & Denise Meiklejohn

    Wendy Gongoleski – Birthday Fundraiser

    La Famiglia

    Peter & Mary Jane Theroux

    Marie Puleo Flaherty & RE/MAX 1st Choice

    Smithfield Elks Lodge #2359

    Hydro Air Hughes

    Fred & Jean Uttley & Ann Marie Bobola (In loving memory of Mrs. Anna E. Clinton)

    Sodexo

    Flood Ford of East Greenwich

    Local Union 226 LIUNA

    Pawtucket Credit Union

     

    Our Live Auction Winners:

    Tracy & Ed Pendergraft

    Shirley Grande

    Janet Schott

    Pete Sangiovanni

    David Boucher

    Alan Goldberg

    Kelly Waiter

    Donna Perry

     

    Our Silent Auction Winners:

    Alan Goldberg

    Andrew Pallozzi

    Anna Murphy

    Carole Stiles

    Chantal Faucher

    Dan & Pam Greene

    David Boucher

    Donna Andreozzi

    Edward Murphy

    Erin & Jorge DeMelo

    Evan Perry

    Gary Smith

    Jennifer Perry

    Joseph Tommasiello

    Julie Georgio

    Karen Aiello

    Larry Dionne

    Lisa Tommasiello

    Lorraine Peloquin

    Luigia Solda

    Lynn Paton

    Michelle Clark

    Muriel Lombardo

    Paula Pallozzi

    Peter Perry

    Russell Norton

    Shawn Kaiser

    Shirley Grande

     

    Our Fundraiser Committee:

    Jill Patrie

    Deborah Gatto

    Lisa Tommasiello

    Wendy Gongoleski

    Marissa Ricciardi

    Teri Rozzero

     

    Some Very Special People For Their Most Valued Help –

    Pattie Saracino

    Joyce Perry

    Mary Mullen & Odds ’N Ends Marketing

    Julie Latessa

    Donna & Peter Perry

    Linda DePalma

    Donna DePalma

    Deborah Gatto

    Lydia Muccino

    Paula Pallozzi

    Ed Pendergraft

    Tracy Pendergraft

    Lainey Dionne

    John Morris

    Amanda Cordle

    Donna Rodriguez

    Bryan Sawyer & The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer

    Resource Foundation

    Erin DeMelo & Sugar Mama’s Sweet & Treats

    Adam Mercer & Tapped Apple Winery

    The Original Italian Bakery

    Michael Cerio & Cerio Communications

    John Tassoni & The Smithfield Times

     

    Our Volunteers For The Event:

    From The Elks Lodge:

    Carole Stiles

    Keith Stiles

    Rick Natalia

    Maureen & Dave Tessier

    Tim Chilinski

    Debbie Tomasso

    From BankRI:

    Lynn Paton

    Sandra Pacheco

     

    The Following Special People & Businesses For Their Contributions To Our Live and Silent Auctions: 

    Mark Mercurio & Go East Promotions

    Peter & Karen Aiello

    John Mazzocca

    Marianne Lund & Berkshire By The Sea Resort

    Steven Ricciardi & Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel

    Cavanaugh Construction / David & Deneene Boucher

    Alan Hochman & Alan Hochman Tours Inc.

    Providence Biltmore Rhode Island

    Debbie Richard & A Wish Come True

     

    A.C. Jewelers

    Arline McHugh

    Barbara Fontaine

    Bekah Berger / Cumulus Media

    Beth Peltier

    Crystal Lake Golf Club

    Debbie Gatto

    Diamond Hills Vineyard

    Donna & Peter Perry

    Donna DePalma

    Gamm Theatre

    Heather Pascale

    Jill Patrie

    Kassie Randall

    Kim Longo

    LaGondola Providence

    LaSalle Jewelers

    Laurel Lane Country Club

    Linda DePalma

    Lydia Muccino

    Mandy Cabral

    Marie & Tom Flaherty

    Mary Leveille

    Mystic Aquarium

    New York Yankees

    Newport Playhouse

    Pamela Leach

    Paula Duffy

    Paula Pallozzi

    Pedro DeJesus

    Peter Aiello

    Providence Bruins

    Providence Performing Arts Center

    Rachel Walsh

    Rhode Island Philharmonic

    Southwest Airlines

    Trinity Repertory Theater

    Village Paws

    Zach Silva & '47 Brand

     

    Thank You to you all...our friends and family.  May God Bless you for your kindness and caring. 

    “All we do is always in loving memory and honor of David”

     

     

    2018 David Louis Cunha Foundation Scholarships!

    Congratulations to Hannah Dauray and Lily Caswell – 2018 recipients of the David Louis Cunha Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to Smithfield High School graduating seniors who have excelled in community service and embody a generous heart, as did David. Winners are chosen by a panel of some of David’s former teachers from the high school and middle school. This year there were thirty two applicants. Hannah and Lily both received $1,000.00 to put towards their first year of college. Thank you again to all of our wonderful supporters…and a special Thank You to Nick Patrie for his service in representing David’s Foundation. All we accomplish is always in the loving memory and honor of David.

    David Louis Cunha Foundation Assists Monster Tough 4 Davis Fundraiser.

    On February 22nd, 2018, the David Louis Cunha Foundation had the honor of donating $ 500.00 to the Monster Tough 4 Davis Fundraiser held at Saint Timothy’s parish in Warwick. The fundraiser was for Davis McLarnon, a three year old boy who was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. To make matters worse, the tumor was metastatic and cells were found in Davis’s spinal fluid. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Davis and his family. We have been told that he is a very strong and resilient child. Like most children seem to be when faced with a severe illness, Davis is a real fighter! As you can see, the fundraiser was a huge success. Money raised will go towards medical bills and daily living, since Davis’s Mom has not been able to work spending all of her time with him at the hospital as he goes through his treatments.
    Thank you all for your wonderful support of David’s Foundation. If you should know of a family or group that you believe David’s Foundation could assist, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

    2017 Comes To An End

    2017 Was A Very Successful Year!

    The David Louis Cunha Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established on January 13, 2015, upon the sudden passing of David Cunha.  The Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to families with children living with life threatening medical conditions. David’s Foundation also reaches out to children in general who are in need of some compassion and assistance in their daily lives and to local groups and agencies that are committed to help those children.  Lastly, the Foundation awards scholarships to Smithfield High School graduating seniors who have excelled in community service and embody a generous heart, as did David.

    Since its inception, the David Louis Cunha Foundation has provided over $ 24,500.00 in donations/grants and scholarships to deserving Rhode Island and near-by Massachusetts children.

    In February of this year, David’s Foundation had the honor of donating $ 500.00 to the Monster Tough 4 Davis Fundraiser held at Saint Timothy’s parish in Warwick. The fundraiser was for Davis McLarnon, a three year old boy who was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  Funds will go toward medical bills for the family.

    For the remaining of this year, we will proudly donate an additional $ 14,000.00 to children in need.

    But for now, if you would, please review what David’s Foundation has been able to do so far with the wonderful support of our community, friends and family.

    In 2017, thanks to the generosity and steadfast support of our community and so many friends and family, David’s Foundation donated a total of $ 14,100.00 and was able to accomplish the following:   

    • May 2017 - Scholarships to Smithfield High School. Two $1,000.00 scholarships were awarded to two seniors who excelled in community service. ($2,000.00)  
    • July 2017 – Edward Madden Open Hearts Camp.  A donation of $ 2,500.00 was made to Open Hearts Camp to sponsor ten children for a two week stay.  This camp hosts cardiac children who have undergone open-heart surgeries, many of who have received heart transplants.
    • August 2017 – A Wish Come True / Warwick, RI.  A donation of $ 5,000.00 was made to sponsor a young boy’s wish for him and his family to vacation on Block Island for one week.  As David was, Domenic is a cardiac child, and both he and his sister have had to battle serious health conditions all of their lives and continue to do so.  

    Also, during the 2017 Christmas season, David’s Foundation was able to donate a total of $ 2,850.00 to the following local agencies to specifically help children…children who do not experience the joys of Christmas that most do…children with no homes or who are away from their homes for good reason…children who were in great need of some Christmas kindness:

    We are also most pleased to announce that on January 1st, 2018, to commemorate David’s 24th birthday, the David Louis Cunha Foundation donated an additional $ 1,750.00 to the Edward Madden Open Hearts Camp to purchase a much-needed new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) along with three sets of adult & child pads, and backup batteries.  An AED is used to react to and treat sudden cardiac arrest. This AED is crucial to the operation of the camp and the well being of the campers.

     

    David Louis Cunha Foundation /2016 Donations:

    1. March 2016 - Donation to  A Wish Come True / Warwick, RI.  Bella, a four year old girl with leukemia   and her family granted a wish to go to Disney World ($4,000.00).
    2. May 2016 – Donation to Boston Children’s Pace Maker Camp.  Five children from Rhode Island with  pace makers granted a 3 day / 2 night stay at the camp ($2,240.00).
    3. May 2016 – Scholarships to Smithfield High School. Two $1,000.00 scholarships awarded to two students who have excelled in community service ($2,000.00).  

    Christmas Season 2016, the David Louis Cunha Foundation was able to donate over $ 2,000.00 to the following local agencies to specifically help children.  

    • Adoption Rhode Island
    • Friends Way    
    • Tanner Hill House  
    • Aids Care Ocean State  
    • Crossroads Rhode Island Domestic Violence Program
    • David’s Foundation also supported the Miracles for Maddox fundraiser held on December 10th.

    Sponsors

    • Ann Sabbagh and Seacoast Mortgage
    • Bank RI
    • William Tsonos
    • Mark Meiklejohn
    • Mark Mercurio & Go East Promotions
    • Anthony DiPaola & Foster Grant International
    • Local 226
    • La Familia
    • Alan Hochman Tours
    • Marie Puleo Flaherty & Remax
    • Mary Ann Crudale  & Remax
    • Sodexo
    • Karen & Peter Aiello
    • Robert & Donna Ricci
    • Mary Jane Theroux
    • Lisa & Jeffrey Popper
    • Jean & Fred Uttley
    • Mark & Peggy Plociak

    Fundraising Committee

    • Jill Patrie
    • Brenda Pinga
    • Lisa Tommasiello
    • Wendy Gongoleski
    • Marisa Ricciardi
    • Denise Langevin

    Volunteers

    • Lynn Paton
    • Sandra Pacheco
    • Paul Gagne
    • Sandra DeSousa
    • Carole Stiles
    • Keith Stiles
    • Rick Natale
    • Dave Tessier
    • Roger Allen
    Adoption-RI
    AIDS-Care-Ocean-State
    A-Wish-Come-True
    Christmas-Is-For-Kids
    Crossroads
    Devereux-Tanner-Hill-Houses
    Friends-Way
    Miracles-for-Maddox
    Open-Hearts-Camp
    Pacemaker-Camp
    Smithfield-High-School
    Smithfield Rotary

    David Louis Cunha Foundation Christmas Gifting

    David Louis Cunha Foundation Christmas Gifting

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    Friends of the David Louis Cunha Foundation,

    Part of David’s Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to families with children living with life threatening medical conditions.  But David’s Foundation also reaches out to children in general who are in need of some compassion and assistance in their daily lives and to local groups and agencies who are committed to help those children.

    As we have entered the last two months of the year with the holidays not being too far off, David’s Foundation appeals to you for your assistance.  If you should know of a family or group/agency that you believe the David Louis Cunha Foundation could assist, please let us know.

    We will gladly consider any suggestion.  We are greatly indebted to all of our wonderful family and friends who have supported us for these last three years and we are always very conscious in how and who we donate our funds to.  That being said, any suggested  family or group/agency will be carefully reviewed for consideration.

    Thank you all so very much for your continued support…and please help David’s Foundation successfully continue its mission.

    Please use the form below to provide us the contact information we need to start this Christmas Giving process.  ALL information submitted will be kept proprietary to the DLC Foundation and NO recipients will be contacted without prior consent from you.

    Submit a Possible Recipient

      Please provide your name and contact information

      Name and address and any contact information available of the recipient/family or group/agency you are suggesting

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      Do you have any connection or had any interaction with this family or group/agency

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      Donate to this effort

      We would like to distribute to every recipient we receive... but, could use your help.  If you or your company would like to make a year end donation to our Holiday Gifting Program, please visit our "Donations" page.

      Many companies have a "matching gift" program which would double your contribution!   The David Louis Cunha Foundation is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible.  

      Click here to donate

      2nd Annual DLC Foundation Fundraiser

      Join Rhode Island's own Steve Smith and the Nakeds and the DLC Foundation family for a great 2nd Annual Fundraiser on August 27, 2016!  Smithfield's own Lainey Dionne will also perform.  Enjoy all of our BBQ favorites and take a chance on winning wonderful raffle and auction items.

      A great night out for a great cause!!  Don't miss the opportunity to bid and win some great Live and Silent Auction Items including:

      • 1.) Narragansett Beach House # 1  101 Allagash Trail   5 Bedroom/4 Bath    June 10th-17th, 2017
      • 2.) Narragansett Beach House # 2  184 Boon Street      5 Bedroom/3 Bath   June 17th-24th, 2017
      • 3.) Patriots Vs. New York Jets   November 27th in New York  - 2 Tickets, Transportation, Overnight Stay, Tailgate Party
      • 4.) New York Yankees Vs. Baltimore Orioles  October 1st, 2016  Yankee Stadium  Prime Seating
      • 5.) Potowomut Gold Club  Foursome  18 Holes
      And here is just a sampling of the silent auction items:
      • Renaissance Providence Hotel  Overnight Stay
      • Charbroil Grill
      • Red Sox Junichi Tazawa Autographed Baseball
      • Sam Adams Neon Bar Sign
      •  Providence Performing Arts Center  2 Tickets  King and I
      • Alex & Ani Tri Bracelet
      • New England Patriot Legarrette Blount Autographed Football
      • New York Yankees Golf Bag with Yankees Umbrella
      • Boston Red Sox Golf Bag
      • Babe Ruth Lithograph Signed & Numbered by Armand LaMontagne
      • Providence Bruins Hockey 4 Flex Tickets with $ 100.00 Gift Card to the Budweiser Bar & Grill
      Plus of course...our great raffles !
      We are also pleased to announce David Louis Cunha Foundation Fundraiser T-Shirts will be available - sizes M thru XL $ 10.00, 2XL $ 12.00, 3XL's will also be available. PLEASE PRE-ORDER so that you can wear your T-shirt at the fundraiser !  Please reach out to Cheryl or Peter for tickets and/or T-Shirts !
      Would you like to donate an item for our Auction?

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        Would you like to buy Event Tickets?

        Tickets purchased online will not be mailed but your name will be on the prepaid reservation list at the event.  To purchase tickets or make a donation online, just click on the links below.

        To purchase tickets in person or for more information, please contact Cheryl or Peter directly.

        Cheryl's Cell # 419-2100
        Peter's E-mail Address  dlcf2015@gmail.com 


         
        Can't make it but would like to donate?

        If you can't make the event but would like to donate to the DLC Foundation, simply click here.

        Need directions?  Elks Lodge No 2359

        Congratulations Seniors!

        On Monday, May 30th, the David Louis Cunha Foundation presented graduating Smithfield High School Seniors Angela Gattinella and Paige Howard each with a check for $ 1,000.00 - Angela & Paige are the very first David Louis Cunha Foundation Scholarship recipients. These annual scholarships will be awarded to graduating Seniors who exemplify David's compassion and commitment to helping others through community service, good citizenship, and respect. Congratulations Angela & Paige. And a special "Thank You" to our good friends Joyce Perry, who joined us at the presentation, and to Nick Patrie, who presented the scholarship awards. No doubt David is smiling and sending all of us his love.

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        Boston Children’s Hospital’s Pacemaker Camp Fund

        Last Friday, May 13th, the David Louis Cunha Foundation presented Boston Children’s Hospital’s Pacemaker Camp Fund a check for $ 2,240.00 This donation will enable five Rhode Island children with pacemakers to attend the camp over Labor Day weekend in September. Years ago, David attended the camp and had a terrific time. In David’s memory and honor, his Foundation continues to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Thank you all so very much for your continued support…YOU are the Foundation. A special “thank you” to Nick Patrie, Mike Rozzero, and Cheryl Cunha who had to carry that heavy check ! 🙂 More good things to come !!