The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund

We wanted to take a moment leading into this coming Thanksgiving holiday to say THANK YOU – you have all made this year special! With your continued support and generosity, you have not only helped to keep Chris’ spirit alive and well but also touch many, many lives while doing so.

The “ChrisCares for” signature golf charity event was held again this summer at Shuttle Meadow Country Club. This year’s event was dedicated to the importance of mental health and what we can all do to help remove the stigma that surrounds it. The day was a day to remember. While the State of CT was getting rain down poured upon it, our beautiful angel Chris blew the rain and clouds away and the sun and fun shined brighter than ever over our entire day’s festivities… it was truly spectacular!!

This year, in Chris’ name, we have been able to give scholarships to 6 Berlin High School senior students, donations to the Prudence Crandall Center, Bread for Life, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Service Dog’s Saving Lives. In addition, we have continued to provide support to individuals in need. All of this again, would not be possible without the love and strength that you all provide not only to us but also to each other.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and give your loved ones a giant hug!!!

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe –
Rocco, Lynn & Brittany

April 16th will forever be Chris’ birthday and a day we can celebrate our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend – Happy Birthday Chris!!

With your help we have continued to keep Chris’ spirit alive and this summer, July 10th, we will be holding the ChrisCares for Mental Health golf tournamamnet & dinner reception. It will be a day dedicated to bringing awareness to what it means to suffer from a mental health condition, what services are avaialble and reducing the stigma that surrounds it.

Chris was know for being accepting of people and we want to continue to spread that message.

Forever in our hearts -
Rocco, Lynn & Brittany

Remember Chris today with a moment of kindness and love; it goes a long way.

Christopher Labbadia
April 16, 1996 - January 16, 2016
Miss him more with each day that passes

Lynn, Brittany and I would like to say thank you, to you all, for your continued support of the Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund through your donations, participation in past outings and the ongoing events that will be hosted in memory of Chris!

With your generosity we have been able to support a variety of causes, events, and special family needs throughout 2022. In Chris’ name we have provided donations and brought awareness for the food impoverished through Southington’s Bread for Life and Middletown’s The Amazing Grace Food Pantry; we continue to encourage our youth to embody the spirit of Chris by promoting Love, Acceptance, Loyalty, Passion & Laughter through the annual Berlin, CT High School Senior Scholarships; and we have helped support the need for Breast Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes and children’s hospice via the Markie Foundation (CA), to name a few.

In the summer of 2022, we also kicked-off our first ever “Chris Cares” golf outing at Shuttle Meadow Country Club. It was a spectacular day of fun, tons of smiles and laughter dedicated to shining a light on autism through a family’s journey; the hurdles of health care services, the need for community support and the discovery of love and art.

We are looking forward to 2023, and we ask that you contact us if there is a need that we can support. We will be announcing in the coming months our next “Chris Cares for” golf outing and cause that we will be sponsoring. In the meantime, please enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends and remember that even the smallest acts of kindness, go a long way.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe –
Rocco Labbadia

On June 6th, 2022 we were able to present 4 individual $1000 scholarships at the Berlin High School awards banquet for exiting seniors thanks to past and ongoing donations from caring supporters. The seniors are asked to provide a 350 word essay that provides a snapshot into their lives and specifically how their individual lives in some way emulates the characteristics and/or spirit that made Chris who he was: Love, Acceptance, Loyalty, Passion & Laughter. This year there were 32 applicants, the most we have had to date.

The process of selection starts with Brittany and I each reading and selecting recipients (blind read - names removed) and then we compare our selections with each other. This year was no different then the previous years in that we independently selected the same students, as we have done each year since Chris’ passing in 2016! This year’s Christopher Labbadia Memorial Scholarship award winners are:

• Saige Beatman
• Salvatore Dastoli
• Caitlyn Lennahan
• Olivia Salina

We wish the 4 seniors great success in the future and hope that they can continue to spread kindness to others in need.

Next week in Chris’ name, we are kicking off our first memorial “ChrisCares for…” golf tournament. This year’s cause is “ChrisCares for Autism” and the event participation has maxed out at 125 golfers with an additional 55 for dinner! We hope to raise awareness surrounding how autism touches family and friends during the younger years and how those same hurdles remain in the adult years.

We are blessed to have Chris’ spirit live on and we can only hope that he will continue to provide us all strength to make a positive impact on others for a long time.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe -

Rocco Labbadia
The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund

Registration is now open for the ChrisCares for Autism Golf & Dinner Reception - July 11, 2022. You can register here: https://www.golfgenius.com/ggid/chriscares

Join us at Shuttle Meadow Country Club, 51 Randecker Lane, Berlin, CT as we remember Chris and bring grass roots awareness to how autism touches the people that surround us in our communities. Help us make this first time event a huge success!

* Registration & Continental Breakfast: 9:00am
* Driving Range: Opens at 9:00am
* Shotgun Start: 10:30am
* Reception: 3:00pm
* Raffles and Prizes

Golf is limited to the first 120 registered and dinner is open to an additional 40 - for those that do not golf but enjoy food ☺

There is no better way to remember Chris then with a day filled with smiles, laughs, food, & drink. We look forward to seeing you this summer!!

The Labbadia’s
Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe!

Today marks the 6 year anniversary of Chris’ passing and it still remains totally unbelievable. Over the past 6 years you have all helped us keep the memories of Chris fresh and have continued to promote kindness in so many wonderful ways. ChrisCares, as a result, is alive and well because of you!!

We are asking that you “Save-the-Date” of Monday July 11, 2022 for the “ChrisCares for Autism” golf outing. It will be held a Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Berlin, CT. We are partnering with our extended family to bring a positive grass roots awareness of what autism means in our community. Registration details surrounding the event will be sent out February 15th here and through social media.

Chris loved and lived everyday with a smile and a laugh. He lived life to the fullest and we hope that through his name and with your love, we can continue to bring a “SHINE!” to peoples‘ lives. We look forward to seeing many of you in person in 2022 and sharing more stories, laughs and smiles - miles wide!

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe -
The Labbadia’s

As we near the end of 2021, we wanted to say thank you to all of you for your ongoing support and encourage all to continue to be kind to others during these ever changing and very challenging times. ChrisCares is alive and strong and in 2022 we are looking to hold our first ever golf tournament in partnership with friends and families in the name of autism - be on the lookout for "ChrisCares for Autism - Golf 2022"!!!

If you are interested in continuing to provide support to Chris’ Fund, you can do so year round by signing up for AmazonSmile (its free). With every purchase that you make, Amazon will donate 0.5% to the Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund!

Instructions:
- Go to smile.amazon.com and click Get Started
- Sign into your Amazon account
- Select your charity by typing in: The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund
- Shop at smile.amazon.com or turn on AmazonSmile in your Amazon app

To Turn on AmazonSmile in your Amazon app
- Go to the main menu of the app
- Click Settings and select AmazonSmile
- Select your charity and follow instructions to turn on AmazonSmile in your app

Enjoy the holiday season and remember to tell your family and friends how much that they mean to you – there is no time like the present for a few words of kindness or a long hug.

Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy & Safe Thanksgiving!

The Labbadia’s

The Christopher Labbadia Memorial scholarship was started to support high school seniors who exemplified the qualities of love, acceptance, loyalty, passion and laughter. These traits represented the embodiment of Chris Labbadia and now through others, we hope to keep his spirit alive and strong for years to come.

It is still hard to believe that over 5 year’s have passed since Chris left us but his spirit is shinning bright in this year’s 28 Berlin High School senior applicants. All were very deserving and so during these unprecedented times, we decided to provide four $1000 scholarships. This year’s award winners are:
• Ava Dubuc
• Ryan McGowan
• Joseph Caracoglia
• Casey Uryga

Congratulations to all of the 2020 recipients and thank you to all that continue to support our family and truly make this fund possible. An excerpt from one of the essays can help us all remember what matters most during our hectic days...

“From what I can understand, Chris lived everyday to the fullest. He spread laughter and joy to everyone he conversed with, he accepted others for who they were despite their differences, he remained loyal to those he cared for, and most importantly, he loved. Chris’s lifestyle defined the ultimate purpose of life. To share love with one another. To place your all into everything you do because you never know what you are capable of until you try and to take each day for what it is.”

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe-
The Labbadia’s

Today marks one month since we reached out to Chris’ family & friends and kindly asked if you would be willing to support Bread for Life, the non-profit organization that is committed to feeding the hungry in our communities. Well, we are both proud and humbled by your amazing response; Bread for Life has received over $10,000 in donations to date, in memory of Chris!

Chris always knew that he would make an impact in life; telling us often: “Wait, one day you will see how successful I will be.” He has proven that that day has certainly come and it is not at all surprising to any of us, that he was right!

As you can imagine, the 5 year “anniversary” of Chris’ passing was a really difficult day, as were the weeks, months and 5 years leading to it. Through it all, he remains our guiding light and we are lucky to have had a son that continues to remind us all of what is most important in life: family, friends, health and kindness. Put those all together and it is truly empowering for all of us.

The attached picture for this update is the sunset of January 16, 2021; we believe that it shows that Chris’ light is brighter than ever and wanted to thank you all again for keeping his spirit alive and strong.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe -
Rocco, Lynn and Brittany

Our hearts are heavier today as we remember our beloved Christopher, who passed away at 19, five years ago. Chris was a beautiful, bright, caring young man who found acceptance in people for who they were as individuals. He brought laughter to people in need of a smile and kindness to people of all ages and all walks of life. These are a couple wonderful traits that we could all aspire to, especially during these tumultuous times. A car accident took from us all what can never be replaced but his spirit is strong and it lives within all of us.

A year ago we held a drive to provide every day winter clothing, food and survival necessities to help the homeless. Your collective support was amazing and impactful. We have once again teamed up with Bread for Life; a non-profit organization that is feeding numerous communities including Berlin, Southington, Plainville, as well as, school systems.

The effect of COVID-19 is real and has created new hardships for many. We are kindly requesting that you honor Chris by considering a donation (any amount is gratefully appreciated) in his name, to help the food insecure that are in desperate need. Examples of what your donation can provide:

$25 - five nutritious hot meals in the soup kitchen
$50 - one month of snacks for a school program
$100 – individual hot lunches for 25 homebound seniors
$250 – one day of meal delivery for 50 homebound clients
$500 – lunches for 30 children for two weeks in the Summer Lunch Program
$1000 – utilities for the soup kitchen for one month

Please help us help many and make this day one to remember. You may not live in or near these communities but know that 100% of your donations will be used to support a universal need for food. We have kicked this drive off with a $500 donation “In Memory of” Christopher Labbadia, made directly to Bread for Life; please click here to do the same: https://southingtonbreadforlife.org/donate-online/

If you would prefer to give directly to The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund, you can by following this link: https://fundly.com/the-chris-labbadia-memorial-scholarship-fund

We sincerely thank you all for the continued love and support. Let’s make a difference in people’s lives today.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe,
Rocco, Lynn and Brittany

We hope that this update finds you all well during these unprecedented and trying times. COVID has disrupted the universe and with it has made significant changes to all of our lives. It has been difficult to coordinate structured activities and unfortunately our plans to have the annual “Chris’ Game” (Quinnipiac vs. Yale Softball) had to be cancelled and along with it, a welcomed interview with WTNH (local news affiliate) to promote a coordinated event with the two teams to “Feed the Children”.

With that said, there was an opportunity this summer to shine a bright light on a few individuals that were selected as this year’s recipients of the Christopher Labbadia Memorial Scholarship. They included graduating high school seniors: Lucas Baretta, Stephanie Boice and Mathew Uryga. Their essays shared a common theme of compassion and love for others; a true unselfishness to put others first and at the same time demonstrate a strong foundation for self worth. These attributes embody the spirit of Chris - the willingness to go out of your way for a friend, to be a protector and all the while not worry about what others may be thinking or saying.

We have continued to support those in our community that need a helping hand in Chris’ name and encourage others to do the same. Any gesture, large or small, can make an emotional impact in someone’s life; simply knowing that there are people in this world that care - can make all the difference in one person’s life.

It’s hard to believe that this January will mark 5 years since Chris’ tragic passing but the amount of positive energy and support that continues to thrive in his name, continues to amaze us! We thank you all very much for all that you do, not only for us but each other.

Now more than ever, please stay Happy, Healthy & Safe,

The Labbadia’s

On January 12th, 2016 we celebrated Chris’ life in memorable fashion! The day kicked off with a beautiful mass at Saint Paul’s Church in Berlin, CT and was followed by a luncheon at Shuttle Meadow Country Club. The mass and luncheon were both attended by about 175-200 of Chris’ family and friends.

The day was dedicated to raising awareness of the needs of our local homeless and how simple acts of kindness can make lasting impacts on peoples lives. We want to thank all of the folks that brought donations to the luncheon. Hundreds of pairs of socks, gloves and hats; along with cases of protein drinks, hundreds of nutritional bars, hand warmers, coats and food were all used to support a local charitable foundation - “The Bread for Life”. In turn, they were thrilled to accept and distribute to the homeless in our surrounding areas as needed.

Additionally, your donations funded the creation of approximately 150 “survival packs” - these packs contained items that included: soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, lotion, lip balm, nail clippers, poncho, emergency blanket, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, tissue paper, water, protein drink and protein bars. A special thank you to Kayla Cervoni, Haley Longo, Jenna MacNamarra, Arius Johnson, Gina Iozzo, Jenna and Daniel Labbadia for building all the survival packs for delivery to local police departments.

4 years have passed but not a day goes by without Chris still in on our lives. We cannot thank you all enough for your tremendous support and hope that the love that connects you to Chris grows in each of you. Chris would want you to all feel a sense of calmness knowing that through your kindness you have impacted many lives.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe -
The Labbadia’s

December 3 is #GivingTuesday! We encourage everyone to find a way to support a friend, a family member or local charity by joining in and celebrating the global day of giving. The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund has continued to provide assistance to those in need; including scholarships to high school seniors, as well as, a helping hand to folks that simply need a little extra kindness to be sent their way when they need it the most.

January 16th will mark 4 years that our confident, caring, and comical Chris’ precious soul left us BUT what he left behind will never be forgotten. It is his legacy that helps us stay bonded and inspires us to harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage kindness – #ChrisCareChallenge

You can choose to make a tax deductible donation to The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund (501C (3) #81-1206407) or to support a charity of your choosing; either way, we are asking that you partner with us on #GivingTuesday because we believe that together, we can make a difference in people’s lives.

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe –
The Labbadia’s
forever LABZstrong!

Earlier this month we recognized three Berlin High School seniors to receive this year’s Christopher Labbadia Memorial Scholarship: Lindsay Walsh, Daniel Cervoni and Jared Beatman. Each described in their written submission for consideration, in their own unique way, how they emulated Chris’ spirit for love, acceptance, laughter, loyalty and passion. A common theme this year among the three, was a combination that included a keen sense of humor and humility.

This year we had 22 applications submitted from the senior class and as we have in the previous years, I read and select my top choices and wait for my daughter Brittany to do the same. It is amazing to point out that for the 4th consecutive year, we have blindly selected the same recipients! I truly believe that Chris plays a strong part in guiding our choices.

We are thankful to all that continue to support The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund and it is because of your support that we were able to provide $2000 this year in scholarship awards to these fine individuals in Chris’ name. On behalf of all of you and the entire Labbadia family, we wish them all great success in college.

Always - Happy, Healthy & Safe,
Rocco Labbadia
#ChrisCaresChallenge - choose kindness

In memory of Chris, we kicked off this year’s #ChrisCaresChallenge by partnering with the Wethersfield Evangelical Church in Wethersfield, CT to collect and deliver non perishable food items on behalf of the Hands Open Wide Food Pantry. A nice way to let people know that there are people in this world that can make a small difference with an act of kindness.

April is Chris’ birthday month and it also now represents the annual Chris’ Game between Yale & Quinnipiac Softball Teams. I had the pleasure to speak with the players and coaches of both teams prior to the game to promote the #ChrisCaresChallenge and of course, remind them all how powerful a simple act of kindness can influence another person.

We are looking forward to leaving positive impressions throughout 2019 and hope that you all can do the same. Help spread the word by forwarding this update to someone you know, encourage them to become a “supporter” of Chris’ page: https://fundly.com/the-chris-labbadia-memorial-scholarship-fund and let the kindness shine bright in 2019!!

Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe -
Rocco Labbadia

All -
Happy Giving Tuesday! Many have asked for me to send out a year-end reminder to make a tax-deductible donation to The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund (501©(3) - #81-120640) so I decided to do so – with a small ask to you all in return. If you personally know someone that could benefit from the Chris Cares touch, please email me directly at [email protected] and let us see if there is something that we can do to brighten their day.

We all have an opportunity to make an impact on peoples lives; I like to believe that even as we near 3 years since leaving us, Chris continues to be a reminder of how much the little things mean to people – a smile, a laugh or even a look. The small things can make someone feel accepted, supported, comfortable, and unafraid.

The self-portrait of Chris attached to this post shows a boy – carefree and artistic; part dreamer and part determined to capture all that he could by living in each moment. I am happy to say that I know that he did that and much more.

Please continue to help us help others enjoy each moment of this precious life!

Have a Happy, Healthy & Safe Holiday Season –

Rocco Labbadia
The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund

Many thanks to all of our friends and family that helped pull off the greatest neighborhood tag sale in honor of Chris!! On July 16th the streets of Cobblestone and Brownstone in Berlin were bustling with people from all parts, looking for a treasure and at the same time supporting the Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund. The day was bright and we were able to share stories of Chris and hand out the 2018 Chris Cares Challenge cards… always looking to spread kindness in his name.

Please find the article that was written in the Berlin Citizen here: http://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/Berlin-Citizen/Berlin-News/Berlin-tag-sale-raises-money-for-scholarships.html

Many, many thanks to our neighbors that made this day a success!! With their help, we were able to raise $2000 to support the Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund and all money will continue to be used to support those in need, as well as, the annual Berlin High School scholarship fund that is awarded in Chris’ name annually.

Thank you all for the continued love and support! If you receive this email update, please share with a friend or two… and encourage them to join our website as a “Supporter”.

Thank you -
Rocco
Always stay Happy, Healthy & Safe

All –
It is with great pleasure to announce that Ryan Toce is this year’s Berlin High School recipient of the annual Christopher Labbadia Memorial Scholarship. Ryan, a senior at Berlin High School, was awarded $1000 and will be pursuing a career in Social Work at Central Connecticut State University this coming year.

Brittany and I were pleased to receive many applications/essays this year but it was Ryan’s thoughtfulness, honesty and desire to help others that helped to guide our decision. Like Chris, Ryan has a passion for cars, hard work and a love and dedication to his friends and family.

We are only looking to help make a small difference in someone’s life – we hope that this scholarship helps get Ryan on his way!

As always, Happy, Healthy & Safe –
Rocco
The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Fund

Its been 2 years… and Chris’ spirit continues to live stronger than ever!!

Thank you to all that have continued to support each other and embrace the opportunity to show kindness to others. We kicked off the 2018 #ChrisCaresChallenge this year with 48 of Chris’ friends by teaming up with the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for people in need. Two days of kindness, sweat and fun went a long way toward pushing the project closer to completion.

The event was a powerful reminder that there is a tremendous amount of GOOD in this world and in a very short period of time we were also able to raise over $2100 in donations for the area Habitat for Humanity.

I’m pretty sure that Chris would make you laugh or smile if you were feeling a little down – remember his smile and feel empowered to know that small acts of kindness go a very long way