The Luca S. Calanni Foundation (Live Like Luca) is pleased to announce the approval of grants to local organizations this month in excess of $25,000.
“We started the foundation earlier this year after we lost our son Luca. We wanted to do something that would continue to let his light shine bright”, said Ashley Calanni, Luca’s mother. “We’d like to thank all of the individuals who donated and helped keep Luca’s memory and passions alive.”
Luca Calanni passed on January 11th, 2020 from flu related complications at the age of 11.
Grants were issued to several organizations across Wester New York including The Kenmore Soccer Club, Hamburg Little Loop, Nativity Miguel Middle School of Buffalo, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County and Little Cagers of Hamburg Basketball.
Grants will be used by these organizations to allow children in the region to experience the joys of participating in sports, camps, the arts and other activities that made Luca’s light shine bright.
Little Cagers of Hamburg has announced that they will be putting up three scoreboards in local schools that Luca and his friends played in. “Boston Valley, Cloverbank and Armor Elementary Schools will be installing these permanent fixtures in honor of Luca that will serve as a reminder of his passion for life and basketball for many years”, said Josh Haeick, Town of Hamburg, Recreational Supervisor.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County will be using their grant to fund an e-sports league. “We have worked collaboratively with other Boys & Girls Clubs all over the state to set up an eSports League, which allows youth to play athletic games, such as basketball and football, online through Xboxes”, said Anneliese Bruegel, Executive Director. “This grant will allow us to engage youth, particularly ages 9 and up, in a supervised environment with positive expectations for game play, sportsmanship, and behavior.”
“While many sports leagues are currently shut down due to the pandemic, these grants will help many organizations prepare for their season or pivot how they operate” said Roger Calanni, Luca’s father. “We’re so happy to be able to do something that will make a difference especially during these difficult and unprecedented times.”
The Luca S. Calanni Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Luca Calanni by following his example of kindness and caring. Our mission is to help all children experience the joys of participating in sports, camps, the arts and other activities that made Luca’s light shine bright.
For more information or to donate visit LiveLikeLuca.com
These grants were made possible through Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s and generous community-minded donors. The NCCF is committed to improving the community through the promotion of local philanthropy, strategic grantmaking, and community leadership. The organization has distributed over $17 million in the form of grants and scholarships within the community. For more information, call 716-366-4892 or visit www.nccfoundation.org.