The 1st Annual Brady West Memorial Walk held at Thurmont’s Community Park on November 11 raised over $5,000 for the Community Foundation’s Brady West Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Memorial Walk Raises
 Over $5,000 For
Community Foundation Fund

December 13, 2007: A crisp, autumn day was the setting as nearly 250 people gathered on November 11 to honor young Brady West’s short life and to commemorate what would have been his first birthday to raise money for The Brady West Memorial Scholarship Fund held by The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Over $5,000 was raised during the event as participants hiked 2.86 miles through Thurmont’s Community Park to grow the Fund so that scholarships can be awarded to graduates of Catoctin High School who wish pursue a post-secondary education at a college or trade school of their choice.

Brady West was the son of Thurmont’s own Jaime Sweeney and Johnny West. In his brief fourth months on earth, Brady touched the lives of those around him with his easy-going nature, beautiful blue eyes, and infectious giggle. Born November 9, 2006, Brady was a happy little boy who left behind a lifetime of love and memories when he passed away all too soon on March 23, 2007.

Wanting to create something positive in the face of such a devastating loss, Brady’s parents turned to the Community Foundation to establish The Brady West Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his memory by helping others in pursuing their educational dreams.

“The 1st Annual Brady West Memorial Walk was a great success and fitting tribute to our little boy,” said Jaime Sweeney. “My cousin, Tammy Harrington, was the driving force behind organizing the event, and the Town of Thurmont was so gracious in allowing us to use the Community Park. We appreciate everyone’s support in contributing to The Brady West Memorial Scholarship Fund and in remembering Brady’s first birthday. Brady will never be forgotten.”

Memorial funds are one of the many ways The Community Foundation of Frederick County fills the needs of the community by transforming the unique charitable dreams of individuals, families and organizations into the reality of charitable funds supporting a range of worthy causes. Over one-fourth of the funds held by the Community Foundation honor the memories of deceased loved ones by continuing to touch lives in meaningful ways in their names. To date, the Community Foundation has provided more than $17 million in grants and scholarships.

Generous citizens who want to continue to grow The Brady West Memorial Scholarship Fund may make a secure, online donation. To do so, click here. Contributions by check may be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County and mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Simply insert the Fund’s name in the check’s memo line. All check or online contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.