Photo courtesy of markmorrisfoundation.org
Mark Morris impacted the lives of not only his family and friends, but of students of all ages in the Lewiston-Altura School District. As a mental health counselor, he worked with students ranging in age from elementary school to senior high who had been identified as needing extra guidance. Mark loved his job and went above and beyond to take initiative towards students’ success. When he realized several students were grieving loss, he formed a support group for them to meet together, talk, and realize they weren’t alone. “He was very intuitive about what was needed, and would put it together,” remembers his wife, Roz Laraway.
In 2008, Mark was diagnosed with lymphoma. During his battle, he expressed that should anything happen, he wanted family and friends to support the school district in any way they could. After his passing just four months later, his friends and family began honoring Mark’s wish right away. “The first fundraising event was golf and croquet. Students would come to the events and to just have fun.”
The next year, the Mark Morris Extra Chance Fund, now called the Mark Morris Youth Fund, was established. In keeping with Mark’s belief that enrichment activities have the power to change a child’s life, the donor-advised fund provides unique opportunities for students in need and fills financial gaps in ways that school district needs at any point in time. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Mark’s wife Roz and two children Dylan and Lindsay, charitable grants from the fund have supported everything from new jerseys for the Junior Varsity team to Youth Frontiers Retreats that focus on teaching students courage, kindness, and respect. In addition to providing enrichment opportunities, a yearly scholarship of $10,000 is awarded in Mark’s name to a deserving senior in the school district each year.
To learn more about the Mark Morris Youth Fund, visit: markmorrisfoundation.org
If you or a loved one has a cause near to your heart, the Winona Community Foundation is here to help you explore your charitable options. To learn more about establishing a donor advised fund, call 507-454-6511 or visit winonacf.org/give/start-a-fund.
