Frederick Keys and SunTrust Bank presents Community Foundation Chairman Ted Gregory with a donation from the Annual Frederick Keys/SunTrust Charity Golf Classic that benefits The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund.

JOEL’S KIDS GRANTS HELP YOUTH

October 12, 2007: The baseball season may be over for the Frederick Keys as they celebrate winning the Carolina League Championship, but the good works of The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund established by the Keys through The Community Foundation of Frederick County continues to benefit those in need. Recent “Joel’s Kids” grants awarded to Up-County Family Center and ThorpeWood, Inc. will provide educational programs to strengthen families and to aid at-risk youth.

Up-County Family Center, a nonprofit organization serving northern rural Frederick County, provides and promotes opportunities that strengthen and build healthy and positive family functioning for all. The $1,120 “Joel’s Kids” grant awarded to UpCounty Family Center will provide for educational field trips.

ThorpeWood, Inc., a mountain retreat for at-risk youth, provides environmental education programs, supports scientific research, and promotes conservation and sustainable living. ThorpeWood will use its $1,380 “Joel’s Kids” grant for educational sessions for at-risk female teenagers. The educational sessions promote positive decision-making, self-image and self-talk, problem solving strategies, healthy relationships, and goal setting.

“Joel’s Kids” grants are made possible, in part, through the proceeds of the annual Frederick Keys/SunTrust Charity Golf Classic, which benefit The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund. The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund honors the memory of Joel Stephens, a minor league outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles who succumbed to colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. While undergoing treatment, Joel attempted a return to baseball by playing with the Frederick Keys at Harry Grove Stadium. Joel’s love for children, particularly those with health-related issues, disabilities, difficult home situations, or suffering a loss, inspired the creation of the memorial fund.

Grants from the Fund are awarded each year to nonprofit organizations providing direct services to Frederick County youth and young adults 18 to 22 years old, or religious organizations in need of funding for non-sectarian activities benefiting youth activities. Those awarded grants designate two youth beneficiaries as “Joel’s Kids” to participate in special events with the Frederick Keys.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is dedicated to filling 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.

Contributions to The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund may be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, with the Fund’s name inserted in the check’s memo line. To donate online, click here. All check or online contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.