ABOUT
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek".
President Barack Obama
Our Mission
The Ricky Martin Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut will provide grants to local nonprofit organizations that promote equal rights & social justice; who encourage the empowerment of our youth and provide safe haven to our most vulnerable communities
Our Vision
Through Service and Financial Commitment , The Ricky Fund intends to create a Community of "Heroes" who work together in support of Eastern Connecticuts local charities.
This fund has been established to celebrate the life of Ricky Martin and to serve as his legacy, by bringing recognition and
support to agencies that serve the marginalized, youth, and at-risk populations of Greater New London area
Ricky surmounted many challenges in his life, and those challenges only cemented his dedication to volunteer and serve his community. Whether through donating financially to causes he believed in, or generously giving his time and talent in service to others, Ricky quickly emerged as a trailblazer for change within our community. During his tenure at Franks Place in New London he helped to organize
H.O.P.E. ( Helping Our People Endure ). which served as one of New Londons First A.I.D.S. crisis charities. H.O.P.E. raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through events such as "Celebration of H.O.P.E." in the early 90's and later continuing on with The Alliance for Living
where he was a member of the board until his passing.
Ricky was the kind of person who was a friend to all.
He was famous for his cheesecakes and creamy filled cupcakes and called them “Love Bites” He made them more often than not, as a donation, to cheer someone up or just because "Everyone needs a Bite of Love"
Rick Martin passed away in October of 2022 after battling cancer.
Rick was always a hub of activity, volunteering at several of the charities he supported throughout his life. Ricks passing left a hole in our family, our friends and an entire community.
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In late December of 2022, Ricks' Husband, Stephen Taylor opened The Ricky Martin Endowed Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CF) The initial investment used to create this memorial were the remaining funds generated by gifts received via another donation site during Ricks Hospice Care.
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The intention is to leave a lasting legacy to honor Rick and to continue with his work by creating an entire Community of Heroes who volunteer to serve in a variety of ways.
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Rick supported many other charities in his lifetime, "Sullivans Toy Run "
“Eat, Drink and Be Married” for Love Makes a Family
Local Food Banks-United Way and others
Local Cancer awareness organizations and many, many others.
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OUR COMMITMENT
WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT TO ENDOW THE RICKY MARTIN FUND, LEAVING BEHIND A PERMANENT LEGACY THAT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE BACK FOR YEARS TO COME.
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
COMPASSION &
KINDNESS
RICKY
