The Mike Geltrude Foundation is an approved 501(c)(3) organization established for Melanoma Awareness, Education and Research. Some of Mike’s friends felt the overwhelming need to give back some of the support Mike had given to so many over the years, and they asked Mike’s sons what the best way to do this would be. Knowing Mike would not want a spotlight on himself they thought to have a dinner which would raise money and awareness for the disease that was killing Mike. They ran the idea by their father and in true form he said he did not want the dinner to be about him, but he wouldn’t mind raising awareness about Melanoma.
Unfortunately, Mike passed away two weeks later and was never able to see the overwhelming response to the foundation. A committee of about 25 of Mike’s friends and family was formed and the feeling was, in order to capture Mike’s spirit, the foundation would move beyond the fundraising dinner and attempt to influence various parts of the community by establishing various programs to increase sun safety and Melanoma awareness.
In keeping with the principles of Mike’s life, education and athletics will be a focal point of the foundation. With that in mind, the foundations goals are as follows:
Raise funds to support various national Melanoma foundations which focus on awareness, detection, research, and patient support services.
Initiate programs in the local school system and various community organizations to educate students, teachers, and school nurses of the dangers and prevention of skin cancer and the importance of sun safety.
Assist local government in organizing and publicizing free skin cancer screening programs.
Work with community recreation departments to stress the importance of sun safety while participating in outdoor sports and local pools.
Lobby elected officials to place restrictions on tanning facilities for those under 18
Fund various scholarship opportunities for Nutley and Cedar Grove Math Students, as well as Scholar-Athletes in those towns.
The foundation is based on the principal of education. Educating youngsters about the dangers of skin cancer, educating athletes to be vigilant when participating outdoors, and encouraging higher education by awarding scholarships. Mike’s passion in life was teaching and as a wise man once said –
“Great teachers continue to teach long after they are gone.”
To be a part of the foundation or to donate (tax deductible) please visit our website at www.mikegeltrudefoundation.org or call 973-667-8650 for more info you may also send donations to:
The Mike Geltrude Foundation
C/O Sal Cocco
281 Franklin Ave
Nutley, NJ 07110