ABOUT US
The Fund
The Mickey Lione Jr. Fund is a 501c3 public charity that was established in 2000. The Fund was created to keep Mickey’s memory alive, and perpetuate the example he set for all as one of the state’s finest coaches. The fund is designed to support, encourage and motivate young people of Stamford to be outstanding scholars, citizens and athletes and to become leaders and role models in our community.
Mission Statement
The vision and mission of the Fund is to perpetuate a meaningful memorial to Mickey, who by his instruction and example, taught and encouraged young people to strive for personal excellence and to use their strengths to make a positive impact on their peers, their community and the world around them. It is the intention of this Fund to provide scholarships to youths who reflect these values and to be a source of participatory aid to individuals of organizations that encourage such values, and in and for the youth of Stamford, Connecticut.
The Fund is pursuing this mission through its program of Youth Excellence Awards, including college scholarship grants to high school students who best meet established criteria for leadership and excellence. The Fund also awards “Giving Back” grants to community organizations that encourage leadership and excellence in the youth of the Stamford community.
What the Fund has Accomplished
Since its inception in 2000, the Mickey Lione Jr. Fund has become one of the Stamford, CT community’s largest scholarship and grant providers, awarding over $395,000 in community support, including college scholarships totaling $227,000, awarded to students at city high schools and committing more than $168,000 to youth sports and educational organizations in the community. This support has allowed some 750 children, who for financial reasons may otherwise have been excluded from joining in these activities, to participate in a variety of sports and educational programs.
Organizations receiving financial support from the Fund include: Babe Ruth Baseball of Stamford; Stamford Youth Foundation, Mickey Lione Jr. Middle School Division Football & Cheerleading Division; National Lione Little League; Jackie Robinson Little League; Greater Stamford Tennis Association, Junior Tennis Outreach Program; Stamford YMCA Youth Lead Program; Allyson Rioux Scholarship Fund.
In 2007, The Fund also created the Wellington Mara Award, which recognizes a volunteer coach for their personal commitment to youth through coaching. A $2,500 award is made to the related Stamford youth sports program in the name of that coach.
Scholarship Applications
The application process for the 2010 scholarships is now in progress. Information and applications for the $7,500 grant toward college education are available in the guidance offices of Stamford, Trinity Catholic and Westhill high schools. For additional information: info@mickeylionefund.org.
Board of Directors (Leadership)
Jerry Lione - Chairman, Board of Directors
Dear Friends:
I was part of the formative group that found themselves talking about all that Mickey stood for and how many lives he had touched in such a positive way. We were exchanging stories, and Bobby Valentine looked at us and said, "This man will not be forgotten." This statement of commitment was echoed by the gathering. Everyone present offered to do his part to create a lasting tribute that would continue Mickey's legacy. The Mickey Lione Jr. Fund is the result of that commitment.
When you're a kid, before you know the word "mentor", or the phrase "role model", you know the word "hero". He was all of those things to me, and to have the opportunity to be a part of this tribute and to serve this community is a privilege.
Jerry Lione
Board Members
At the summer outing in August, MLF board chairman Jerry Lione (left) welcomes one of the newest board members, Mike O'Leary.Bill Arnone
Mike Berkoff
Anne Burke
Rick Farina
Bryan Fox
Bill Ippolito
Bob Kennedy
John Leydon
Roseann Lione - In Memoriam
Alex Lionetti
Mike O'Leary
Rick Robustelli
Dave Ruden
Cheryl Tiscia
Bobby Valentine
Advisory Board
Bob Castrignano
Gene Rubino
Bennett Salvatore
Anthony Zezima