The Gregg F. Clyne Memorial Foundation, Inc hosted its’ Inaugural Scholarship Fundraiser at the Gran Centurions in Clark, NJ on March 14, 2009.

The five hour event was attended by 175 family members and friends in celebration of Gregg’s 30th birthday and in support of the mission of his Foundation.

The evening began with a cocktail hour centered around bidding on a wonderful array of raffle prizes and silent auction items which were donated by over 70 retailers, restaurants, corporations, friends and family. With a great deal of help from precious friends, over sixty (60) baskets and silent auction items with values ranging from $100 to $1200 were prepared beautifully and were displayed around the perimeter of the ballroom of the catering hall. Pre-event and event solicitation of a 50/50-$20 ticket raffle generated a flurry of activity with the winner receiving $2,690. With the support of all who attended and many who were not able to attend, the Foundation netted over $21,000 toward its scholarship mission.

While there were many special moments during the evening, the video celebrating Gregg’s 30th birthday in loving memory of his life and legacy was beyond a doubt the ‘Special Moment”. Tears, wonderful memories and smiles filled the room as each remembered Gregg in the many special ways he touched their lives.

One of Gregg’s passions being photography, we were touched by the enthusiastic bidding on three beautifully framed photos that were taken by him and were his pride and joy. We were pleased to present to all who attended, Gregg’s favorite…a postcard picture of Chicago’s Millennium Park, an image that we will cherish forever and that will remain a part of his Foundation.

For his family, the most treasured part of the evening was to be able to bring family and friends together in celebration of Gregg’s life and legacy. For those that knew Gregg, it could never be mistaken about his abiding love of, respect for and loyalty to his family and friends.

It was an honor to have in attendance Brittany Van Sickle and Jessica Taylor, the first award winners of the Gregg F. Clyne Memorial Foundation scholarships.

They are proud to be part of our extended family and to carry back to his beloved University of Delaware, his passion for life and learning.

On behalf of Gregg, his family and the Board of Directors of his Foundation, our heartfelt THANKS for your love, compassion and generous support in both your time and resources in support of Gregg, the Gregg F. Clyne Memorial Foundation and its’ mission. We hope to be able to touch the lives of many young adults through your generous support.

As Steven Clyne, Gregg’s brother and chairman of the Foundation quoted “Let us not be controlled by grief or fear. Let us use the love and memories we have of Gregg to inspire and motivate us to do great things. It was what Gregg stood for and the only true way to show him justice and celebrate his Life”.