The Steve Glidden Foundation
Steve Glidden was one of four children from Newton, Massachusetts who died in a tragic bus crash in Canada on April 27, 2001, while on a school trip to participate in an international band festival. In his memory, Steve’s family and friends created the Steve Glidden Foundation (SGF). The major purposes of the SGF are to fund summer camp and other scholarships for children of great disadvantage and need (i.e., children exposed to domestic violence, homeless children and refugee children), strengthen community in Newton and other areas (i.e., create youth civic awards and scholarships, and eventually build a community ice rink in Newton), and foster leadership and advocacy capacity in young people through partnerships with other worthy organizations and groups. Steve had already shown interest in these ideas before he died. We are certain he would have continued to stand for them, if he only had the chance.
SGF operates with volunteer help and its Trustees fund all operating costs, so that 100% of every dollar donated directly helps deserving young people. Since its creation in June 2001, SGF has raised over $300,000 and has awarded over $30,000 in summer camp scholarships for disadvantaged children. Two children, a boy and a girl ages 10 and 11, received the first camp scholarships in 2002. During the summer of 2003 and 2004, scholarships to both day camp and overnight camp allowed dozens of children to enjoy an enriching experience that would otherwise be completely beyond their means. We plan to increase the camp scholarships each summer while building an endowment that will preserve these scholarships for future children. Additional initiatives will focus on funding ongoing leadership and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged youth in the local area as well as elsewhere.
Losing a child, particularly one like Steve whose entire life was joyous and whose future seemed to overflow with potential, is so dreadfully, cosmically unfair. Steve touched so many in his short, sweet twelve years. He was a radiant beam in a very troubled world. Steve’s abundant, unselfish spirit has carried on and even grown since his tragic death. It seems as though this remarkable boy continues to change the world for the better, even though he is no longer here with us.
May we honor Steve’s life so that his legacy can be strong and enduring. May his spirit be a comfort to us all. And may his
memory be forever a blessing to those in need.
Please log on to the SGF web site to learn more about Steve, the SGF Kid Corps, the wonderful people and institutions that have donated their time and support, the SGF’s new and ongoing initiatives, and opportunities to help. Contributions to the SGF are tax-deductible.