The Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation was created to honor the memory of a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend whose life continues to inspire those who knew him.
After Ken Carlson Jr. passed away in 2002, his friends and family came together with a shared desire to keep his memory alive while making a positive difference in the lives of others. From that effort, the Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation was born.
Turning a Memory Into a Mission
The Foundation was established with a simple but meaningful purpose: to honor Ken by giving back to the community.
Today, the Foundation supports initiatives that reflect this mission through scholarships, cardiomyopathy research, awareness, and detection. Through fundraising events and the generosity of supporters, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for students while supporting efforts related to heart health.
Supporting the Next Generation
Education has always been an important part of the Foundation’s work. Scholarship awards provide financial assistance to graduating students as they continue their education at post-secondary institutions.
The Foundation has supported scholarship opportunities through Rutgers University and Whippany Park High School, helping students pursue their academic goals and build their futures.
These scholarships are one of the ways the Foundation’s supporters can make a lasting difference beyond a single donation or event.
Raising Awareness of Cardiomyopathy
Another important part of the Foundation’s mission is supporting cardiomyopathy research, awareness, and detection.
The Foundation has provided support for initiatives involving medical research, cardiomyopathy education, and heart screening. Through partnerships and community programs, these efforts help bring greater attention to conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Increasing awareness is an important step toward encouraging people to learn about heart health and understand the importance of appropriate medical evaluation.
A Community Effort
The Foundation’s work is made possible by the continued support of friends, families, businesses, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community members.
Annual fundraising events, including the Memorial Golf Outing, provide an opportunity for people to come together while helping fund the Foundation’s mission.
Every contribution helps continue the work that began when Ken’s friends and family decided to turn their loss into an opportunity to help others.
Continuing Ken’s Legacy
The Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and its Board members volunteer their time and services to support the Foundation’s mission.
More than two decades after the Foundation was established, Ken’s memory continues to live through the students supported by scholarships, the cardiomyopathy awareness efforts supported by the Foundation, and the research and detection initiatives made possible through generous contributions.
Help Us Carry Ken’s Legacy Forward
There are many ways to support the Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation—from attending a fundraising event and becoming a sponsor to making a donation or helping spread awareness.
Together, our community can continue to honor Ken’s memory by supporting students, advancing cardiomyopathy awareness, and investing in work that can make a lasting difference.
