Michael J. Adanti Memorial Community Fund

For general charitable purposes
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May 25, 2016
The Adanti Family

The Adanti family established this Fund with the many gifts given in memory of Michael J. Adanti. Linda Adanti, Michael's wife, and their daughter, Kristen Adanti-Pedersen advise the Fund.

When his grandson J.J.'s kindergarten teacher needed male volunteers, Poppy—Michael Adanti—was there. Tie flipped back over his shoulder, an apron tied about his waist, the retired Southern Connecticut State university president was ready to go shoulder to shoulder with his little charges on whatever was the craft du jour.

"He always gave his time, and his heart and soul to everything he did," says Linda, his wife of 40 years who, along with their daughter Kristen, established the Michael J. Adanti Memorial Community Fund, to honor the man she'd known since childhood. "He was very much involved in the community and we wanted to keep his work going."

Judging by the flood of correspondence Linda received following Michael's tragic death in July 2005, his work was considerable. There were the boards on which he served, including Griffin Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the New Haven Symphony; the many organizations to which he donated quietly that acknowledged to her his kindness; and the friends, family and youth he aided either monetarily or by helping them make connections to move forward in their lives.

"He never said 'no'," says Linda of the man who loved the Valley where he began his successful career in education as a teacher at his alma mater, Ansonia High, and who served as that city's mayor from 1973-1977. If anyone called him for a favor or needed something, he always figured out a way to help them. I know he'd be happy to support the Valley Community Foundation in its cause to help the Valley."

The Fund has been set up to make grants for general charitable purposes because "Michael's whole life was about giving kids and others a break, a helping hand," says Linda.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to this fund, please complete the secure, online credit card form below:

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Michael J. Adanti Scholarship Fund