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The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund
One of the most inspirational athletes to ever play in the Baltimore Orioles organization, Joel Stephens left a lasting impression with the Frederick Keys and their sister club, the Delmarva Shorebirds. After finishing the 1997 baseball season with the Shorebirds, Joel began his brave and valiant effort to battle the disease of colon cancer, and his (unfulfilled) wish to get “one more professional at bat” with the Keys in 1998. Joel’s courage was truly
an inspiration to those who knew him.
On September 30, 1998, Joel passed away at the age of 22. In the fall of 1999, the Frederick Keys, steered by staff member Mark Zeigler, created The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund through the Community Foundation of Frederick County (MD) to benefit children dealing with a serious illness or bereavement due to the death of a parent or sibling. Funds can be used for one-time purchases, capital expenditures, start-up costs for programs in existence less than six months, purchases related to the provision of healthcare—including physical and mental health—for youth and young adults 22 years of age and younger, or the fulfillment of wishes of youth and young adults in the same age range.
Proceeds from the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic, title sponsored by SunTrust Bank, benefit The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund, and help make this grant funding possible. The 13th Annual Frederick Keys/SunTrust Charity Golf Classic was held on August 18, 2008 at Hollow Creek Golf Course in Middletown.
For 2007-2008 the Joel’s Kids recipient has been Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County for their special needs after school program at the Rock Creek School in Frederick. Past year recipients include the Challenger Little League of Frederick, Windows to the World, Thorpewood, Up County Family Center, Thurmont Little League, The ARC of Frederick County and Myersville Junior Baseball League.
Grant applications are available through the
Community Foundation of Frederick County and the submission deadline is 5:00 pm October 1, 2008. A training session for grant writing is scheduled for September 18 at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick. Details are available at the Community Foundation site.
In addition, tax-deductible contributions by businesses or individuals to The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund are accepted in any amount at any time. Checks may be made payable to and sent to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701, with “Joel’s Kids” inserted in the check’s memo line. To make a donation using Visa or MasterCard, give online at
www.cffredco.org.
Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been weaving
the fabric of a better community by working with
individuals, families, businesses, and civic
organizations to set up charitable funds that enhance
the local quality of life by awarding grants and
scholarships. To date, more than $15 million has been
provided in grants and scholarships. Visit
www.cffredco.org
to learn more about how the Community Foundation is the leading resource for information and strategies for making charitable dreams come
true.
_______________________
For more
information, contact:
The
Community Foundation of Frederick County
312 E. Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301.695.7660
www.cffredco.org
Or Email
us by clicking
here.
Community Foundation of Frederick County
Copyright 2008, Joel's Kids. All Right Reserved.
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