THE PURPOSE OF OUR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

The Christopher Vasington Cox Memorial Foundation has been created to honor the memory of Christopher Cox, who died on July 6, 2011, at the age of 23 from an accidental overdose of prescription medications that he was taking to treat symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

From a young age, Christopher passionately protected the health, safety and well-being of others. Before he turned 12, he had already saved one sister from drowning and the other from choking! His parents affectionately called him “Captain Planet” because he always picked up trash from the woods during their family walks. He was a very giving young man who volunteered in his community and loved his work as an EMT and CPR educator. He received awards for his community service through the Willington Volunteer Fire Department, Hall Memorial School and Civil Air Patrol. Chris always told his parents that when he grew up, he wanted a career dedicated to helping others.

Chris is dearly missed by his friends and family who are still learning how to go forward without him, preserve his memory and share his compassionate spirit with others. His family wishes to honor his memory by offering a scholarship to a graduating E.O. Smith senior who possesses the same passion for helping others as Chris did.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates who apply should be a graduating E. O. Smith senior and have:

– been a volunteer firefighter, EMT or volunteered in their community
– been accepted to a college, secondary education or specialized training program in a career field dedicated to the health, safety or well being of others

Eligible career fields include but are not limited to: allied health, firefighter, nurse, paramedic, EMT, social worker, psychologist, police or physician. We are looking for an applicant who possesses a desire to help others. This scholarship is not based on academic merit or financial need.

Applicants should apply no later than April 30.  Click the link above to apply.

WINE, CHOCOLATE, AND CHEESE TASTING FUNDRAISER

Our third annual wine, chocolate and cheese tasting fundraiser will be held at The Lodge, 124 Cider Mill Road, Tolland on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 7:00-10:00 PM. This year we will be featuring wines from Sharpe Hill Vineyard! Tickets are 35.00 per person and include appetizers, 2 white wine and gourmet cheese pairings, 2 red wine and chocolate pairings, a silent auction and additional beer and wine for sale. You may purchase tickets through Phil or Amy Vasington, or if you wish to purchase online, please click the link at the top of this page. We are looking forward to another great evening.

BUY TICKETS HERE

KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT!

In addition to being compassionate, Chris was also a really funny guy with a wonderful sense of humor! A favorite among his numerous pranks was when, as a senior in high school, he dressed as a superhero by pulling a book cover over his head and fashioning a cape from a trash bag. He ran through the halls of his high school, high-fiving his teachers and urging them to “Keep fighting the good fight!” His antics were met with enthusiasm, although no one, including Chris, really knew what the good fight was! As part of Christopher’s memorial, we wish provide a donation to an organization who is helping to “fight the good fight” against the rising epidemic of prescription drug addiction and overdose. Last year, the CVC Memorial Foundation donated lock boxes to substance abuse programs in three towns, including Willington, Ashford and Mansfield in the first ever, tri-town area lock box program in Connecticut. Through this program, residents who wish to lock up their prescription medications can pick up a free lock box at their local town hall during regular business hours. To date, we have donated over 300 lock boxes to town residents. With your help, we hope to continue this program in 2017.

Recipients of the Christopher Vasington Cox Memorial Scholarship Award

• 2012:  Allyson Nolan
• 2013:  Crystal Rose Mastrangelo
• 2014:  Amber Barr
• 2015:  Blake Walden

Recipients of the Christopher Vasington Cox Community Services Awards

• 2013:  Una Hills, Willington
• 2013:  Corey Walker, Ashford
• 2013:  Vida Javidi, Mansfield
• 2014:  Nathaniel Olander, Willington
• 2014:  Angela Sorvillo, Ashford
• 2014:  Vida Javidi, Mansfield