ChrisCares 4 - EVENTS
Each year we hope to create various "themed" events aimed at supporting families, dedicated organizations and charities. Through our initiatives, we provide financial, emotional, and educational support to individuals and their loved ones. The impact of our projects extends beyond monetary assistance, as we are dedicated to creating a network of care and compassion within our community. The one simple goal will always remain: Choose Kindness
ChrisCares 4 Kids 2024 was created to support charities that have provided children & their families tremendous opportunities: The Miracle League of Southeastern CT - where every child deserves a chance to play; Sail To Prevail - overcoming adversity through therapeutic sailing and Bread for Life - so no one goes hungry. Chris loved kids so much that it just seemed right to dedicate 2024 to children.
ChrisCares 4 Mental Health 2023 was committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by those battling mental health, the stigma and the importance of family & friends support. We were able to bring awareness and donations to organizations that are dedicated to helping those in need: Service Dogs Saving Lives, CT Children's Medical Center & Bread for Life.
ChrisCares 4 Autism 2022 was dedicated to bringing awareness of autism beyond the childhood years through the eyes of the very special mother/daughter team of Gina & Ally Uricchio. An intimate look at the lives of so many challenged by autism life on the spectrum; the practices that they created that have been instrumental in parenting and hurdling a life “AFTERLIFE” together within the autism spectrum.
ChrisCares 4 the Food Impoverished 2021 was able to raise funds for the local food bank via an email networking drive due to COVID restrictions. In the memory of Chris, friends and family were able to reflect his spirit of resilience, kindness, and generosity during the pandemic and share when people needed help the most. This projects was a testament to his enduring legacy and served as a source of hope and inspiration for individuals and families impacted during the darkest of days.
ChrisCares 4 the Homeless 2019. Through our projects, we aim to foster a sense of community and giving. This drive was focused on building a surplus of winter clothing: coats, blankets, socks, gloves and much more. Our volunteers also created hundreds of individual "survival packs" to be distributed to the homeless by local police forces. Our hope was to cultivate an environment where simple acts of kindness can make everyone feel valued and supported.
ChrisCares 4 Habitat for Humanity 2018. In 2018 we kicked off our first ChrisCares 4 event! We were thrilled to bring 40 of Chris' friends and family to assist Habitat for Humanity for a weekend of "house building" in Hartford, CT. It was a great way to address evolving needs within the local community. We welcome collaboration, feedback, and involvement from individuals and organizations who share our passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of others in need.
#ChrisCaresChallenge 2017. Was a simple way to get as many people, far and wide, to spread KINDNESS. The "challenge" was simple: "Keep Chris' spirit alive by paying it forward with an act of kindness and together we can all help to make the world a better place. It was great to see the #ChrisCaresChallenge posts of students from grade school to college surprising teachers, fellow students, friends and complete strangers with a VARIETY of kind gestures. Even the NFL's New England Patriot's mascot "Pat the Patriot" got into lended a helping hand and proudly posted it!
The Christopher Labbadia Memorial Scholarship Fund 2016. The annual $1000 scholarship that started it all! What better way to have Chris' personal legacy maintained, then to create an opportunity for Berlin HS seniors to benefit by reading a bit about Chris. The scholarships awarded are based on a 300 word essay that tells us how well the student embodied the spirit of who Chris will forever be during their 4 years in HS:
LOVE, ACCEPTANCE,
LOYALTY, PASSION,
& LAUGHTER
​The scholarship distributions have since grown each year!