On October 11, 1998 our lives were forever changed. At the age of 24, we tragically lost Mark in a car accident. Our family decided that we wanted to honor Mark in a way that exemplified his life and what meant most to him. One of his favorite pastimes was to golf with family and friends. It was never about the golf but rather about spending time, laughing and enjoying those that meant so much to him. Unanimously, we agreed that an annual golf tournament would be a great way to carry on his legacy and provide an oppotunity for others to enjoy their own family and friends. It was then that the Mark A. Monaco Memorial Foundation was established. On July 31, 1999 the Inaugural Mark A. Monaco Memorial Golf Tournament took place. We have not looked back since!

2009 marks the 11th anniversary of Mark's Tournament. It is a bittersweet milestone for us. We reflect upon all the wonderful accomplishments we've been able to achieve on his behalf and are proud to say that Mark's Foundation has raised over $110,000. The Foundation has funded the remodeling of a Parents Lounge at Women & Children's Hospital and contributed to the hospital's Neuro-Surgery Operating Room. Other endeavors include contributing to the building of a disabled children's cabin on the Cradle Beach campus as well as a Conference Room at St. Lawrence University Student Center. The Foundation has also provided financial assistance to Roswell Park Cancer Institute Pediatric patients' families in addition to an annual scholarship at Maryvale High School. In recognition of our fund raising efforts, Women and Children's Hospital chose The Mark A. Monaco Memorial Foundation to receive their prestigious "Foundation of the Year Award" in 2006.

These efforts would not be possible if it were not for the support and unconditional generosity of our family, friends and the Western New York community. As we look at the future, our mission remains the same: to be an extension of how Mark lived his life and to make an impact on all whether it's a close friend or stranger. We strongly believe that making lasting contributions to our community and those who live here through educational, social and cultural developments is the most befitting way to honor Mark and one he would be proud of.