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:
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
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.
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.
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.
Dear Friends of the David Louis Cunha Foundation,
As in the past three Christmas seasons, David’s Foundation will once again this Christmas reach out to children in need... 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. We will also again reach out to local agencies who specifically help those children.
We have so much planned already for this Christmas season, but we turn to you once again for your help. Help us connect to families and children in need. If you should know of a family or a children’s agency who you believe David’s Foundation could assist during this holiday time, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Together, as David’s Foundation, we can all help children who are in need this Christmas season. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you.
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.
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.
Hello Friends,
On Thursday, August 2nd, 2018, David's Foundation had the pleasure of donating $ 2,000.00 to Children’s Wishes in Warwick, RI to help sponsor a young girl’s wish. Four year old Violet and her Mom & Dad will be vacationing at Disney World in Florida. Violet was born with cancer, Infantile Fibrosarcoma. She spent the first nine months of her life in the hospital. Once at home, Violet continued her treatments and fought through a long recovery. But we are most happy to say that she is presently doing well !! Because of your continued support, David’s Foundation is able to help this little girl live her dream of going to Disney World. Thank you all for your kindness and caring.
Hello Everyone,
Some more good news from the David Louis Cunha Foundation !
On Sunday, July 15th, we returned to the Edward Madden Open Hearts Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. As you may remember, this camp hosts children who have undergone open heart surgeries...many of who have received heart replacements. During the entire Summer, there are children from RI, MA, CT, and ME who attend the camp.
David’s Foundation was most happy to donate $ 2,000.00 to sponsor eight children for a two week stay.
As with our last visit, we found these children to be truly content and excited to be there...and there was no hiding their camaraderie with each other. Though these children have many other friends at home, at this camp they share a common bond among each other...a bond that most others cannot begin to understand the depth of. After a tour of the camp, games and lunch with the kids, discussion with the director & staff AND the children, we left to go back home again feeling most happy that David's Foundation connected with these folks.
Also, as you may also remember, back on January 1st, in commemoration of David’s 24th birthday, David’s Foundation donated $ 1,750.00 to the 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 wellbeing of the campers. The AED is stationed in the nurse’s office at all times ...under a plaque which reads “In Loving Memory of David Louis Cunha”.
As always, this is all made possible by your steadfast support of David’s Foundation. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH. And a special “Thank You” to our dear friend and top sponsor Ann Sabbagh, President of Seacoast Mortgage Corporation, for joining us on our trip. We all look forward to our return next year.
Stay tuned for more good news !
Hello Friends,
On Tuesday, July 10th, 2018, David's Foundation had the pleasure of donating $ 3,000.00 to A Wish Come True to sponsor a young boy's wish. Davis, his Mom & Dad and brother will be vacationing at Disney World in Florida. They will be staying at Give Kids The World Village, the same place David, Cheryl & I stayed twenty years ago. Davis is four years old, and on November 24th, the day he leaves for Disney, he will be five ! (Coincidentally he shares a birth date with Cheryl). Davis has been battling a form of brain cancer for quite some time now....but you wouldn’t know it from spending any time with him....he is so cheerful and full of life ! He has been quite sick for the last year or so, but presently he is feeling good and his doctors have given him the okay to GO ! Davis’s Mom & Dad were most thankful to David’s Foundation and cannot wait to take their little boy to meet his favorite character, Mickey.
The David Louis Cunha Foundation is very pleased to be able to reach out to this family. And we are able to do so because of YOUR support and caring. Thank you all very much...YOU make it possible for David's Foundation to continue to accomplish its mission....always in the loving memory and honor of David.
I also wanted to give you a quick update on Domenic, the young boy David’s Foundation sponsored last year for a week’s vacation on Block Island. Domenic is doing okay....but will need to return to Boston Children’s this Summer for another open heart procedure. But due to his fighting spirit, Domenic, and his Mom & Dad feel confident that he will be ready to return to school in September. As Cheryl & I have witnessed time and time again, children are very resilient...all they wish to do is get well and get on with their lives...and live !
Thank you all again so very much...and stayed tuned for more great news soon from David’s Foundation.
Entertainment will be provided by our dear friend Lainey Dionne followed with all night dancing with RugBurn. A new BBQ dinner will be served...with food throughout the night (you know us...) !! As always, we will have many live & silent auctions, and raffles...better than ever !!
For sponsorship or tickets, please click the tab above or contact Cheryl & Peter Cunha direct @ (401) 419-2100 / dlcf2015@gmail.com
Over the next ten days or so, we will be previewing some of our silent and live auction items !
Here is our first silent auction preview - Swarovski Boston Red Sox & New York Yankees Crystal Baseballs. Handmade, over 1,000 Swarovski crystals each. To be auctioned separately.
Stay tuned for much more !
One of our live auction items !
Berkshire By The Sea, Delray Beach, Florida.
One week’s stay, September, 2018 – December, 2019 (excluding January 1st –April 15th). One bedroom unit. Ocean across the road !!
Check it out ! http://www.berkshireresort.com/
