Karen Monaldi Golf Scholarship Fund
In February of 2015, Karen Monaldi passed away from brain cancer at 61 years old. Karen was a professional women's golfer and golf instructor. She was a wife, mother, and new grandmother.
To me, Karen was the mom of my dear childhood friend, Joe Monaldi. The Monaldi's house was located within walking distance of our high school, so I spent many days after school hanging out at Karen's house. She was always warm and welcoming- ready with snacks for as many kids that showed up in her kitchen. Karen had a way of making me feel like family. She offered encouragement and bits of wisdom throughout my young adulthood. I adored Karen.
After Karen's untimely passing, her son Joe set up a fund at Legacy Foundation, Lake County's Community Foundation, in her name. The fund supports female golfers age 4-18 that participate in the First Tee of Hammond golf program. The fund provides scholarships for girls that aren't able to pay the enrollment fee.
Karen was passionate about golf instruction, so when the fund was established I made my first financial gift. I made the donation online at Legacy Foundation's website, so with a few clicks my contribution was complete. But with those clicks, I felt Karen. I remembered her smile and her laugh. I could hear her saying my name.
Every year I will continue to donate to the Karen Monaldi Golf Fund at Legacy Foundation. I know that Karen is proud of the work being done through this fund. I'm sure that she loves seeing the progress young, female golfers are making with the help of First Tee of Hammond. I understand that my financial contribution is going directly to a great program, but that is only part of the reason I will continue to donate. I will regularly make contributions to this fund because I want to continue hearing Karen's voice. I want to remember her infectious smile. I want to remember her saying my name. That is why I give.
Thank you to the Monaldi family for setting up this opportunity and Legacy Foundation for serving as its platform.
Review from #MyGivingStory
