We are holding the 2nd Annual James D Kinsey Jr Memorial Fund Poker Night! 

One of the charities we donated to last year was a Patagonia Works supported charity - Camping to Connect. Camping to connect is a mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation to help young men in America's cities learn to face and cope with adversity and the challenges it presents. Research proves that regular and consistent exposure to nature is integral in the healthy mental, physical and emotional development of children. Since urban youths tend to lack access to the natural world and wild spaces, Camping to Connect aims to provide access to and foster an appreciation for the great outdoors. As an avid camper and general lover of all nature has to offer, we know Jim would have loved to support this organization. We will be donating to Camping to Connect again this year! 

We are pleased to say that for this year, that scholarship is in place. This scholarship will be awarded to two graduating seniors who have experienced the loss of a parent / guardian or sibling, or are dealing with grief and loss in a manner they've had to overcome from the start of Middle School through their Senior year. It will be awarded to a student from Manhasset High School (Jim's alma mater) and another from Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington (the town where Jim and his family live and continue to love and one of his children will attend).

This scholarship will not be dependent on grades, intended college major or area of study and there will be no essay or application required. The students who are awarded this scholarship will be chosen by the guidance counselor or a faculty member who is aware of the student's struggles. While we know that no amount of money can take away the pain these students feel or bring their family member back, we also know that grief can be lonely and we hope that it will be a small gesture to let them know they're supported and their grief is seen.