About the Foundation
putting your support to work
The Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation receives regular financial support from Denny's friends and family. For that we are grateful and pleased that we can use those funds to help causes near Denny's heart.
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The Legacy Foundation helps open the doors to Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, Illinois to students who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial reasons. Since 2007, the Foundation has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to students at Bishop McNamara. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated their commitment to community service and leadership. The Foundation has also awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to Kankakee Community College students. The Legacy Foundation has also worked closely with and regularly financially supports the Les Turner Foundation, which is committed to ALS research and helping the families of ALS patients.
caring for the community award
In 2008 the Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation created the Caring for the Community Award to recognize people who serve the greater Kankakee County area with dignity and selflessness. Past recipients of this award are listed below.
2008 | Dr. Naresh Chandan
2009 | James Frogge
2010 | Jackie Haas
2011 | Fr. Don Lewandowski
2012 | Cory Blanchette, posthumously
2013 | The Vernon and Leone Ruder Family
2014 | Bill Yohnka
2015 | Steven J. Hunter
2016 | Rich Zinanni
beneficiaries
Bishop McNamara Catholic High School | www.bishopmac.com
Kankakee Community College | www.kcc.cc.il.us
Les Turner ALS Foundation | www.lesturnerals.org
Visit Kankakee County
Kankakee Country Convention and Visitors Bureau | www.visitkankakeecounty.com
Village of Manteno | www.villageofmanteno.com
Frank Lloyd Wright House in Kankakee | www.wrightinkankakee.org
Recent Awards
Dennis J. Smith Posthumously Presented St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award by National Catholic Education Association
contact
For more information about the Dennis J. Legacy Foundation, please contact Mike O'Brien at secondwardmike@gmail.com.