Foundation created in memory of local Virginia Tech shooting victim

Sugar Loaf — The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation was recently created to honor the victim of the mass murder committed at Virginia Tech on the morning of April 16. Caitlin was a resident of Westtown and a graduate of Minisink Valley High School. At 19 years old, she was just completing her sophomore year at Virginia Tech, where she was pursuing a double major in international studies/politics and leadership, with a minor in French. Her parents, Marian and Christian, along with family and friends, have established the foundation as a way to keep the memory of Caitlin alive. It is a charitable fund of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. Caitlin was an only child who was well known in her community. While at Virginia Tech she was a resident advisor to 58 students, whom she referred to as “her angels.” Caitlin frequently engaged in little acts of kindness, quietly and unobtrusively assisting or comforting those around her who she intuitively sensed were in need. A friend attending Caitlin’s memorial service said, “Caitlin made everyone feel like they were her best friend.” Caitlin loved the arts and during her short life was involved in many aspects of them. She participated in the fine arts, she sang, played the violin, the theater and the Culinary Arts. She was also an accomplished equestrian in the discipline of dressage. Through the foundation, the family will continue those quiet little acts of kindness through a scholarship fund. Each year a graduate from Caitlin’s alma mater, Minisink Valley, will receive a scholarship from the foundation to help their pursuit of higher education. In the future, grants will be awarded that reflect Caitlin’s passion for the arts. Under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, the Hammaren Foundation will now able to focus on fundraising. The Community Foundation manages charitable funds and handles all of the fiscal reporting and administration, thereby keeping administration costs much lower than a private foundation. Tax-deductible donations may be made to CFOC-Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation and sent to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, 23 White Oak Drive, Chester, NY 10918. For more information, call the Community Foundation at469-4469. The first annual Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at High Point Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 5. For more information call Virginia or Dion Morrow at 726-3984 or 726-3822.