Garrett Dunsmoor Memorial Foundation has awarded more than 50 grants to nonprofit organizations benefiting youth in communities in and around Oswego
By Stefan Yablonski
There are scores of foundations in Central New York.
Some have been created for very poignant reasons. All strive to help others.
“The Garrett Dunsmoor Memorial Foundation was established in 2019 after the sudden passing of our son, Garrett, in July 2018,” said Judith Queale-Dunsmoor, president of the foundation.
Garrett graduated from Oswego High School in 2014 and graduated cum laude from St. Lawrence University in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric, communications and business.
While there, he earned a place on the Liberty League All-Academic Team while playing two years of varsity football and four years of varsity lacrosse.
“He was bright, hardworking, humble and caring with a smile that would light up every room. He was passionate about athletics, academics and social issues and had an incredible gift of connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds,” his mother said. “He especially loved working with kids and coaching youth sports and was very proud of his hometown. We have created the Garrett Dunsmoor Memorial Foundation to continue Garrett’s legacy of love, knowing that he would be happy and proud to provide youth in our community with more enriched lives and better opportunities.”
The foundation has been very impactful in the five years that it has been in existence. It awards $1,000 scholarships each year to two graduating Oswego High School students and a $500 scholarship to a graduating Unity lacrosse player. Since 2019, the foundation has awarded more than 50 grants to nonprofit organizations benefiting youth in communities in and around Oswego. These grants cover a wide range of services for children focusing on sports, arts and sciences, community projects and youth advocacy.
“We also host an annual 3×3 basketball tournament at the city basketball courts — which are named after Garrett — at Oswego’s Breitbeck Park. In addition to the games for boys and girls ages 10 and up, we offer free clinics taught by local high school and college coaches who generously donate their time and expertise. This year, for the first time, we offered a three-point shooting and dunk contest as well. The purpose of this tournament is to bring our community together for fun and friendly competition and we offer scholarships so that everyone who wants to play can. It has been a big success, growing with both players and spectators every year!” she said.
“We have one big fall fundraiser at our family farm called Lake Elizabeth, affectionately referred to by Garrett as ‘Lake Lizzie.’ This year’s event will be held on Oct. 19 from 1 to 7 p.m. and it is a fun day with four live bands, food, soft drinks, games, a cash bar and raffles — and everyone can take home a pumpkin. GD apparel and accessories will also be available for purchase.
The foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations. Anyone interested in being a sponsor, volunteer or wishing to donate a raffle item for the fall fundraiser can do that on the website or by going to gdmemorialfoundation@gmail.com
All proceeds raised will support our mission of enriching the lives and investing in the future of youth in and around Oswego.
