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 high school students who reflect these values and to be a source of participatory aid to individuals of organizations that encourage such values, in and for the youth of Stamford, Connecticut.

Since its inception in 2000, 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. Additionally, the Fund also awards “Giving Back” grants to community organizations that encourage leadership and excellence in the youth of the Stamford community. In 2007, the Fund also created the Wellington Mara Award, which recognizes a volunteer coach for their personal commitment to youth through coaching.