Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation

SHEEHAN CADILLAC CAR SHOW FUNDRAISER

April 13th, 2024

Another wonderful car show to help keep Gina’s light shining in this world. Our Foundation is grateful to all who helped make a great event, especially Greg Ganser, the south Florida car show community and Tom Sheehan and his team at Sheehan Cadillac in Pompano Beach, FL.

2024 Color Guard Scholarship AWARDED to Jeannie Paguana

March 2024

The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation was pleased to award its 2024 Color Guard Scholarship to Jeannie Paguana a member of the South Miami Senior High School team. Tony and Jennifer Montalto were on hand to make the announcement. The Foundation was created to keep Gina’s light shining in our world after she was killed in the Parkland school massacre six years ago

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School musicians return home after making historic NYC debut

November 2023

“Parkland’s Eagle Regiment marching band performs at The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade… the family of Gina Montalto, another 14-year-old student killed on Feb. 14, 2018, helped to support the band.

Gina loved to dance and she was a member of the school’s color guard. Rivero said the names of Alex and Gina were on the flag at the parade. He felt proud.”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas marching band to shine in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

October 2023

Our family is grateful to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment for their continued efforts to keep our wonderful daughter Gina’s legacy as part of the group’s culture. Gina loved being part of the Eagle Regiment and she was proud to be part of the 2017 Florida State Champion group. She enjoyed the challenge of the new routines, the costumes, and the camaraderie of the group. The annual Gina Montalto - Spirit of Color Guard Award given to a member of the color guard team and displayed at the school are significant to both the recipients and to our family because these students are recognized as a reflection of Gina’s loving spirit.

The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation is making a grant to the Eagle Regiment through Marching Eagle Parent Association (MEPA) in the amount of $17,000 dollars to help with the costs associated with the upcoming trip to New York City to perform in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We are pleased to contribute to this memorable experience for the members of the Eagle Regiment and we are excited to see the performance at one of our nation’s premier events.

South Florida remembers Jimmy Buffett

September 2023

“Beyond his career, Buffett was deeply involved in philanthropic work.

He had a close relationship with Tony Montalto, whose daughter was a victim of the deadly Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting.

‘Before what would have been her 15th birthday, we were able to meet him for the soundcheck and spend some time with him. We were able to bond over both being aviators. We were able to talk about airplanes, his music, and of course, about Gina,’ said Montalto. ‘During that time, my wife and I gave Jimmy one of our Gina bracelets, and he wore that not only that night on stage, but for months afterwards.’”

Challenge Air Welcomes Special Guests!

January 2023

Tony Montalto and his wife Jennifer spoke at the Ft Lauderdale fly day event in January.
"Sadly, Gina was one of the 17 victims in the 2018 Parkland school massacre. She was a kind soul and a wonderful and caring daughter. Our foundation was founded to help keep Gina’s memory alive by helping others achieve their dreams. 
For our family there are few dreams that equal the joy of flying. It is fantastic to see all of you gather to share the gift of flight with these kids and their families.
I have been a professional pilot for over 30 years and early on I learned that aviation community loved to help others. The Challenge Air for Kids and Friends program is clearly part of that legacy. The kindness demonstrated here by Banyan Air and all the volunteers is a reminder that there are many great people willing to show up and give of themselves. 
For a family that has seen tragedy such as ours, it is truly uplifting to be part of the team working together to make sure the participants of today’s events have a wonderful time. Gina loved to help children of all abilities as demonstrated through her time as a volunteer at the Friendship Journey in Coral Springs. 
Gina also loved flying. That is what first drew many of us pilots to the skies and we always welcome the chance to share our love of aviation." - Tony Montalto

Thank you Tony, Jennifer and the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation for sharing your time and contributions in support of the Challenge Air community.

2023 GINA ROSE MONTALTO GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO Heidi Weiksnar

May 2023

We are proud to introduce Heidi Weiksnar, the recipient of the 2023 Gina Rose Montalto Girl Scout Gold Award scholarship. For this year only, we were able to expand the scholarship and award Heidi four years of tuition at the University of Florida.

19 FOR 19 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, 2022

The Foundation is pleased to announce the ten winners of our nursing scholarships. For Gina’s 19th birthday, we asked for your support to raise $19,000 for the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc., and with that we have awarded scholarships to ten nursing students. These remarkable young women and man come from across our country, from Florida to California, Texas to Connecticut, and we are proud to assist them as the world recovers from the pandemic.
We appreciate your continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others achieve their dreams.

inaugural Color-guard scholarship

The world of the color-guard is a special place. Gina’s mom thought it would be a good way for our daughter to find friends as she progressed into high school. She was right on the mark about that, and we quickly realized great friendships are formed between teammates. Gina always had a smile on her face when she was with her teammates. She enjoyed the competition, the dancing, the twirling, the tossing of objects in the air.
The Foundation partnered with the South Florida Winter-Guard Association to find qualified candidates eligible for the inaugural Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation Color-guard scholarship. We are proud to award our inaugural color guard scholarship to Isabel Paz from the Doral Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy.
Congratulations Isabel!

6TH ANNUAL 'EGG MY LAWN' PARKLAND & NORTH CORAL SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT

April 9th, 2023

Thank you to everyone who donated and volunteered to the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation’s 6th Annual Egg My Lawn event. From the Bunnies to the volunteers who stuffed the eggs and the zone coordinators, this event brings people together for a great cause. It brings smiles to children today and keeps Gina’s light shining by helping others reach their goals.

Sheehan Cadillac Car Show Fundraiser

March 4th, 2023

A wonderful car show helped garner donations to help keep Gina’s light shining in this world. Thanks to the Sheehan family and the team at Sheehan Cadillac in Pompano Beach, FL. Our Foundation is grateful to all who helped make a great event, especially, Greg Ganser, Amber Hersh and DJ Eugene.

6TH ANNUAL 'EGG MY LAWN' PARKLAND & NORTH CORAL SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT

2023

Preparations are underway for the sixth annual “Egg My Lawn” neighborhood event supporting the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation. Sign up now!

Challenge Air for Kids and Friends Fly Day at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

January 28, 2023

GRMMF was proud to be a primary sponsor of this event combining aviation and compassion for kids of diverse abilities.

19 for 19 Nursing Scholarship Announcement 

November 3, 2022

On Gina’s 19th birthday, we asked for your support to raise $19,000 through the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Our family is excited to announce that the Foundation will award $19,000 worth of scholarships for nursing students this year.
Once again this year, the generous donations from friends of Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. have made this wonderful opportunity a reality. We appreciate your continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others achieve their dreams.

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida 2022 Silver Award Showcase

October 16, 2022

This was the fourth year of our partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida.
We joined together to create the silver award showcase to highlight the amazing young women of the Girl Scouts who will be future leaders. We love seeing the wide array of projects that help make the community, the environment, and indeed our world be a better place which are showcased at this event.

2022 GINA ROSE MONTALTO GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO Julia Yu

May 21, 2022

We are proud to introduce Julia Yu, the recipient of the 2022 Gina Rose Montalto Girl Scout Gold Award scholarship.

Challenge AiR for kids and friends fly day

April 23, 2022

Our family created the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others reach their goals. It awards scholarships and supports programs Gina volunteered for or would have helped.
April 23rd is an example of how your generosity helps keep Gina’s memory alive through the Foundation’s support of Challenge Air for Kids & Friends. For my pilot friends this is a great organization where you can lend your special talents to make difference the lives of the participants. Please consider volunteering.

19 for 19 Nursing Scholarship

April 22, 2022

Today should have been Gina’s 19th birthday. To help keep her light shining, we challenge you to help us raise $19,000. When our goal is reached these funds will be used to award scholarships for nursing students to help expand the ranks of those compassionate individuals working so hard to get our us through these difficult times.
Everyday life is returning to normal and our nation looks forward to better days. Sadly, too many are still experiencing challenges of coping with the coronavirus. Gina would have looked for a way to help. So, to keep her precious memory alive, the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that we are continuing our nursing scholarship program for 2022.
If you are able to donate, please help us to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others reach their full potential.
We miss our bright, bubbly, and beloved Gina every day and we thank you for your continued support!
The recipients of the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation Nursing scholarships are such amazing people. As a matter of fact, just yesterday, we received a note from one updating us where she shared photos and included news about her graduation, her wedding, and her new job as a pediatric nurse in Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Together your support of our Foundation has led to this success and others.

5th ANNUAL 'EGG MY LAWN' PARKLAND & NORTH CORAL SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT

April 2022

Thank you for supporting the memory of this vibrant young lady, who truly enjoyed children and thrill of the hunt on Easter morning.
With your donation to the Foundation, our 'Easter bunnies' will deliver and hide candy-filled plastic eggs in your yard the evening before Easter. We will also leave a sign on your lawn to let your neighbors know of your generous support to the Foundation.
Let's keep Gina’s light shining in our community.

Gina Rose Montalto Children’s Wing

March 7, 2022

Gina loved her books and reading. It was special to have the Parkland Library children’s wing was named in her honor. Gina is now remembered in a happy, vibrant place where she spent many joyful hours. Her brother shared this at the dedication, “I hope whoever enters this wing will carry that same love for books that Gina had.”

18 FOR 18 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

December 2021

The Foundation is pleased to announce the nine winners of this year’s nursing scholarships. For Gina’s 18th birthday, we asked for your support to raise $18,000 for the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc., and with that we have awarded $2000 scholarships to nine nursing students. These remarkable young women come from across our country, from Hawaii to New Hampshire and we are proud to assist them as the world tries to recover from the pandemic.
We appreciate your continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others achieve their dreams.

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida 2021 Silver Award Showcase

October 17, 2021

This was the third year of our partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. We joined together to create the silver award showcase to highlight the amazing young women of the Girl Scouts who will be future leaders. We love seeing the wide array of projects that help make the community, the environment, and indeed our world be a better place which are showcased at this event.

Best Essay award recipient

October 2, 2021

We are proud to introduce Morgan Koss, who received the Foundation’s Best Essay award. This award is part of the Class of 2021 expansion. Morgan is attending Penn State major Musical Theater.

…I am at a loss of words when I think about what may have come of the friendship I developed with Gina and the thought of the amazing artist and person she would have become. Although she is not here in this physical world anymore I'm sure she would be proud to know the impact she made on those kids, me, and countless people around the world.

THE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE 2021 RECIPIENTS OF THE STEM AND ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

September 29, 2021

The Foundation would like to extend a big congratulations to the six deserving recipients of the 2021 Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation’s Arts and STEM scholarships:
Kailee Rafalko, Julie Minn, Amira Diaw, Olivia Allen, Jhett Hill and Regan Van Dyne. 

In honor of Gina’s graduation year, the foundation selected three winners for each category. The primary winner will receive $5,000, while the runner-up will receive $1,000 and the honorable mention will get $500. 

Girl Scouts lead the way Event

September 14, 2021

The connection between the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation and the Girl Scouts of America has been a wonderful way to help others and keep Gina’s light shining. In September we were honored to join with then at the annual Girl Scouts Lead the Way event. We shared Gina’s story and that of a talented and thoughtful young lady, Linda Saraniti, who wrote a song about Gina.

We also met the women who were honored at the event: Heather Geronemus, Laurie Jennings, Jessica Mara, and Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson. These women are amazing business and community leaders.We loved hearing them share their stories about how being a Girl Scout helped them succeed throughout their lives.

We know Gina would have been on that stage some day, inspiring others with her success story had she not been taken from us. Read more…

2021 GINA ROSE MONTALTO GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO Amanda Kopelman

May 20, 2021

We are proud to introduce Amanda Kopelman, the recipient of the 2021 Gina Rose Montalto Girl Scout Gold Award scholarship.

Parkland parents award MSD students with scholarships in honor of their daughter

May 19, 2021

Let her legacy within you be laughter not tragedy “...take a few moments to remember the good times and smiles that you shared with our beautiful Gina and the other victims. They must not be forgotten...”
Read more…

18 for 18 Nursing Scholarship Announcement 

May 6, 2021

Today is National Nurses Day, a day to recognize our healthcare workers that have been working tirelessly to serve and heal thousands of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two weeks ago, on Gina’s 18th birthday, we asked for your support to raise $18,000 through the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc., hoping to fund an additional scholarship program for nursing students again this year.
Our family is excited to announce that the Foundation reached our goal and starting today, we’ve opened the 18 for 18 Nursing Scholarship application process. 
Once again this year, the generous donations from friends of Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. have made this wonderful opportunity a reality. We appreciate your continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others achieve their dreams.

18 for 18 Nursing Scholarship

April 22, 2021

Today should have been Gina’s 18th birthday. To help keep her light shining, we challenge you to help us raise $18,000. If our goal is reached these funds will be used to award $18,000 worth of scholarships for nursing students to help expand the ranks of those working so hard to get our nation through these difficult times.
This should have been a big year for Gina as she graduated high school and prepared to head off to college. 
As our nation searches for better days with vaccines and everyday life starting to return to normal, many are still experiencing challenges of coping with the coronavirus. Gina would have looked for a way to help. So, to keep her precious memory alive, the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce our plan to continue our nursing scholarship program.
If you are blessed enough to be able to donate, please help us to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others reach their full potential.
Thank you for your continued support!

Foundation Announces Class of 2021 Scholarship in Honor of Gina Rose Montalto

March 2021

Established in memory of Gina, a victim of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation has announced a four-year scholarship in her name.

A member of the class of 2021, Gina always took great pride in her education and looked for ways to help others. To help someone affected by the tragedy of February 14, the Montalto family is providing a resilient Parkland shooting survivor with a Class of 2021 Legacy University Scholarship.

Designed to be used at a Florida College or State University, the funds can be applied to other schools nationwide. Read more…

4th ANNUAL 'EGG MY LAWN' PARKLAND & NORTH CORAL SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT

April 2021

Thank you for supporting the memory of this vibrant young lady, who truly enjoyed children and thrill of the hunt on Easter morning.
With your donation to the Foundation, our 'Easter bunnies' will deliver and hide candy-filled plastic eggs in your yard the evening before Easter. We will also leave a sign on your lawn to let your neighbors know of your generous support to the Foundation.
Let's keep Gina’s light shining in our community.

Determined Girl Scout Cadettes Shine with 2020 Silver Awards

February 2021

On February 20th, our Girl Scout Council honored the outstanding work of 82 Cadettes who earned the Girl Scout Silver Award in 2020. The event was hosted at the Palm Beach Convention Center and sponsored by The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation. Read more…

Girl Scout 2020 Silver Award Showcase

February 20, 2021

The Foundation was proud to sponsor the 2nd annual Silver Award Showcase for the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. We met amazing young women who will make the world a better place with their unique ideas and determination.

Supporting The Friendship Journey

February 6, 2021

Today Gina’s Foundation was proud to donate to The Friendship Journey. Gina loved the time she spent volunteering with this organization. We applaud all the volunteers and participants who make the Gina’s Art Friends program possible.

The Foundation announces the recipients of the 17 for 17 Nursing Scholarships

December 22, 2020

We are pleased to announce the seventeen winners of our nursing scholarships. To commemorate Gina’s 17th birthday, the Foundation set a goal to raise $17,000 in order to fund seventeen scholarships for nursing students across the country. We wanted to help bolster the ranks of those frontline healthcare workers who have tirelessly served and helped heal thousands of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the application and interview process it was very apparent that these recipients were qualified, passionate and kind. All of the scholarship recipients are pursuing nursing degrees, and all exemplify Gina’s passion for learning, caring and helping others.

GINA ROSE MONTALTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION DAY

October 21, 2020

Our City is proclaiming October 21, 2020 as a Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation day within the City of Parkland. This Proclamation is to recognize the work of the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation to keep Gina‘s light shining in this world. The Foundation has awarded scholarships in the Arts and STEM fields as well as  to girl scouts who received their Gold Award. The Foundation has supported the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, the Challenge Air for Kids Foundation, the Friendship Journey through the Gina arts friends program, as well as making donations of KN-95 masks to local firefighters during the current pandemic.

Thank you Mayor Hunschofsky and the entire Parkland city commission for recognizing the efforts of the Foundation we created to honor Gina.

The Foundation announces the 2020 recipients of the STEM and ARTS Scholarships

September 25, 2020

We are pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of the STEM and ARTS Scholarships. Alfredo Suarez Jr. is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems. Kristina Jewett is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. There were many competitive applications submitted, however these two young people had the combination of high grades and excellent communication skills that propelled them to the top. We are confident that they will help keep Gina’s light shining by helping others.

2020 GINA ROSE MONTALTO GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO Rachel Vogel

August 21, 2020

We are proud to introduce Rachel Vogel, the recipient of the 2020 Gina Rose Montalto Girl Scout Gold Award scholarship.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our organization. Being able to honor Gina by helping others continues to provide our family with some comfort.

17 for 17 Nursing Scholarship Announcement 

May 6, 2020

Today is National Nurses Day, a day to recognize our healthcare workers that have been working tirelessly to serve and heal thousands of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two weeks ago, on Gina’s 17th birthday, we asked for your support to raise $17,000 through the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. with hopes to fund a new scholarship program for nursing students.
Our family is excited to announce that the Foundation reached our goal and starting today, we’ve opened the 17 for 17 Nursing Scholarship application process. 
The generous donations from friends of Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. have made this wonderful opportunity a reality. Thank you for your continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others achieve their dreams.

The Foundation Donates Masks to Local fire stations

April 23, 2020

Donations of KN95 masks were delivered to local fire stations by the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation on Gina’s birthday. It is another act of kindness to help keep Gina’s light shining. It was an honor for our family to help keep these brave men and women safe in these difficult days. We only wish our beautiful daughter had been with us in person, not just in spirit, on her special day.

17 for Gina’s 17th Birthday

April 22, 2020

A new program for the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc.
April 22, 2020 is Gina’s 17th birthday.  Sadly, because she was one of the 17 victims in the Parkland school massacre we are without her on this special day. There are so many things we’ll never get to know about the 17 year-old young woman she should have become.
We are all experiencing the collective challenge of coping with the coronavirus and we know that Gina would have looked for a way to help.  In order to keep her precious memory alive the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, Inc. has created a new scholarship program. 
To honor Gina for her 17th birthday, we challenge you to help us raise $17,000.  These funds will be used to award 17 individual $1000 scholarships for nursing students to help expand the ranks of those working so hard to get our nation through these difficult times.
If you are blessed enough to be in a position to donate, please help us to keep Gina’s light shining by helping others reach their full potential.  During these unprecedented times we hope that you appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with your family as a special gift. We certainly wish we had our beloved Gina with us and we thank you for your support. Text Gina17 to 44321

Volunteers Prepare for Annual Easter Event in Honor of Gina Montalto

March 12, 2020

Preparations are underway for the third annual “Egg My House” neighborhood event supporting the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation.
The event was created in honor of Gina Rose, the 14-year-old victim of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who loved children and the thrill of the hunt on Easter morning read more…

Gina’s Art Friends

February 26, 2020

The Friendship Journey announces their newest program, Gina's Art Friends, which will begin in April.
“In honor of our forever friend, Gina Montalto, Gina’s Art Friends serves to inspire friends of all abilities to create beautiful works of art alongside genuine friendships. We are so grateful to the Montalto family, Joie Montiel of Monkey See Monkey Do & Plaster Carousel for their support and partnership, providing us with the opportunity to honor Gina’s beauty through inclusion, kindness, and creativity.”

The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation Gives Children with Special Needs the Gift of Flight

January 25, 2020

A Parkland family with a love of flying sponsored a day of free flights at the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, boosting the confidence of children with special needs by letting them co-pilot at the first Challenge Air event of 2020.
Held a dozen times a year, Challenge Air for Kids & Friends occurs in airports from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale and challenges the perception of children with special needs through the gift of flight.
Tony Montalto, president of the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation and a pilot with United Airlines with 30 years experience, said his daughter grew up fascinated by aviation.  Her volunteer work for The Friendship Journey had also excited the 14-year-old about introducing kids with disabilities to flight read more…

Pelham High School alumnus starts foundation to honor his child killed in Parkland shooting

December 18, 2019

After the Parkland school shooting took his daughter’s life, a Pelham High School graduate has given out a scholarship to a Pound Ridge woman and others to honor his daughter’s legacy read more…

The Foundation announces the inaugural recipients of the STEM and ARTS Scholarships

November 19, 2019

We are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the STEM and ARTS Scholarships. Angela Peck is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Devon Ott is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. There were many competitive applications submitted, however these two young women had the combination of high grades and excellent communication skills that propelled them to the top. We are confident that they will help keep Gina’s light shining by helping others.

Meet Jennifer Montalto and Tony Montalto of Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation in Parkland

September 11, 2019

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Montalto and Tony Montalto.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Running a charitable foundation was not something we ever imagined ourselves doing, rather we were thrust into it under very horrific circumstance with the murder of our 14-year-old daughter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018 read more…

#WearOrange weekend begins on June 7th

June 7-9, 2019

The 5th National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend is when we honor the people killed or wounded by gun violence, and survivors of gun violence by wearing orange. 
Renew your commitment to ending gun violence in America and encourage our political leaders to take action. Your voice can be heard by joining Stand With Parkland – The National Association of Families for Safe Schools.
Join us to raise awareness for gun violence and make sure to #WearOrange for Gina and all victims of gun violence on Friday, June 7th. SHOP NOW

Inaugural Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award scholarship Awarded to Jillian Meloro

May 11, 2019

We are proud to introduce Jillian Meloro, the recipient of the inaugural Gina Rose Montalto Gold Award scholarship.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our organization. Being able to honor Gina by helping others was one of the best days we have had in the past 15 months.

UNITED AIRlines announces New SCHOLARSHIP

March 12, 2019

United Airlines press release detailing the qualifications for the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Scholarship: In February 2018, Gina Rose Montalto, the daughter of EWR 737 Captain Tony Montalto, was tragically killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The senseless act of violence not only robbed the Montalto family of a beloved daughter and sister, it robbed the world of a talented, promising young student and artist destined for great things.
It was from the depths of their grief that Tony and his wife Jennifer started the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation and its scholarship programs, which will award two students – one pursuing studies in the arts and one working toward a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) field – $5,000 each. Those are academic areas in which Gina Rose excelled and, through these scholarships, Tony and Jennifer hope their daughter’s legacy will live on through the accomplishments of other deserving young men and women.
United employees’ dependents are encouraged to apply between March 12 and May 1, 2019 Learn more…

Love for Gina

February 14, 2019

Hundreds of friends bought shirts to support the Foundation to show their love for Gina on Valentine’s Day by wearing and sharing on social media #GinaRose

Create a dream catcher while sharing beautiful memories

February 14, 2019

Art Paper Scissors and the Friendship Initiative invite you to stop over and enjoy art and snacks with your friends. We will be providing supplies to create dream catchers and a safe place to spend time with your friends. We have limited space so please RSVP to this free event honoring Gina and Jamie. 

Pelham Remembers Parkland Shooting Victim, Gina Montalto, on One Year Anniversary Today

February 14, 2019

DeCicco & Sons cashiers and the workers at Pelham Pizza are wearing special T-shirts today remembering Gina Montalto, one of the Parkland, FL high school students killed one year ago today in a mass shooting. Gina's grandmother, Mary Lou Montalto, still lives in Pelham.
The T-shirts, which ask for donations to the Gina Rose Montalto Foundation, were also being distributed to PMHS students while supplies lasted. The foundation awards scholarships and PMHS students in the Class of 2020 will be eligible to submit applications. The cellphone text-to-donate: PELHAM4GINA to 44321 Read more…

Hands on Broward and Parkland Hearts Project

January 9, 2019

Celebrating the beautiful art and life of Gina Rose Montalto tonight. Gina was honored at the Parkland Library and celebrated as the "Artist of the Month" by the Hands on Broward and Parkland Hearts Project. A reception room filled with Gina's favorite color, food and desserts was put together by friends of the Montalto Family. Another room filled with kids making donated book marks and truckloads of donated books and crafts were collected to promote Gina's love of reading.
The Parkland Hearts Project honors those lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy on February 14, 2018.

The Friendship Initiative’s ‘An Evening With Friends’

June 2, 2018

Proceeds will go to our scholarship fund honoring Jaime Guttenberg and Gina Montalto. Both Jaime and Gina were volunteers for The Friendship Initiative who were tragically killed in the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on February 14, 2018. Scholarships will be awarded to eligible student volunteers of TFI who exemplified Jaime’s and Gina’s spirit of love, friendship and commitment to our mission, as well as to a child or children with special needs. To purchase tickets to the gala, become a sponsor or make a donation please click here…

World-renowned muralist returns to Homosassa wildlife park to polish mural, and adds a tribute to Parkland

May 6, 2018

…Wyland also added a sea turtle to the mural in memory of Gina Montalto, a victim of the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
“I wanted to dedicate this particular turtle to one of the students from the tragedy,” Wyland said of the addition. “I just did a mural with all the art students there. One of the girls was a big manatee person, and turtles, and was an artist, and got killed, and her brother told me that that’s what she loved the most. So I put the turtle in for her. This is dedicated to Gina.” Read more…

1st ANNUAL 'EGG MY HOUSE' NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT

April 1, 2018

Help support the memory of this vibrant young lady, who truly enjoyed the children of this neighborhood.
With your donation to the Foundation, our 'Easter bunnies' will deliver and hide candy-filled plastic eggs in your yard the evening before Easter. We will also leave a sign on your lawn to let your neighbors know of your generous support to the Foundation.
Let's keep her light shining in our community.

South Florida winter color guard association gives A very touching tribute to Gina montalto

March 11, 2018

For those who could not be with us, here is the tribute tonight to Gina, Stoneman Douglas and the 17 Individuals lost.