It feels like just yesterday that we hugged our daughter Gina, and sent her on her way to school with some valentine’s chocolate. We never imagined that it would be the last time we would see her. The last time we would be together as a complete and happy family.
On that day, two years ago, multiple mistakes, some in the moment and some that had piled up over the years, would converge to create an incredible tragedy that left Gina and 16 other wonderful souls dead.
If you had been able to meet our daughter you would have seen that she was special girl who melted your heart with an infectious smile that lit up a room. Gina had a great sense of humor, and always made people laugh. She was instant friends with everyone she met and she was a kind spirit, always eager to lend a helping hand.
To honor our daughter, we created the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others. We award scholarships and support various causes that were important to Gina. Your generous donations help fund fantastic programs. Last year we awarded our inaugural scholarships: one for STEM and one for Arts, and the Girl Scouts Gold Award. We were able to support the Friendship Journey where Gina volunteered and sponsor the inaugural Girl Scouts Silver Award Showcase. Already this year the Foundation was the primary sponsor for the Fort Lauderdale Challenge Air for Kids and Friends fly-day, which allows kids with different abilities to experience the joy of flying an airplane.
Though the Foundation we have had the opportunity to work with great organizations, meet kindhearted volunteers and help caring, kind and capable young people to achieve their goals. These collaborations have helped our family realize there is still good in the world despite the terrible tragedy of our daughter being murdered at school. We hope you will continue to donate to the Foundation and help us keep Gina’s light shining by helping others.
