ABOUT US
The Joseph and Anthony Manzi Foundation
The Joseph and Anthony Manzi Foundation Inc, was established in honor of brothers Joseph and Anthony Manzi. To honor these incredible men, and continue their legacy of compassion and giving, the mission of the foundation is simple: to give back to the community.
The Foundation had humble beginnings. After Joe Manzi passed away on December 21, 2002 in a snowmobile accident, his friends in The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department started a memorial fund. Over the years the fund has evolved. What started as funds for scholarships, became funds to give back to the community in big ways, as Joe would have wanted. One of our first major achievements was purchasing AEDs for the fire departments.
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In 2007, our organization became established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization and officially given the name The Joseph Manzi Foundation, Inc. With our annual Joseph Manzi Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament under the direction of Anthony Manzi as president, the foundation has been able to uphold a long history of generous giving to the town and surrounding areas. Please see our history of giving page for more info!
After Anthony passed away on December 22, 2019 after a long battle with cancer, and after many delays and the tumultuous year of COVID in 2020, we completed our Grand Finale 18th Golf Tournament in September of 2020. At the tournament we announced the new foundation name, The Joseph and Anthony Manzi Foundation, Inc. Though it was our last golf tournament, we continue with other wonderful fundraising efforts and our generous giving!
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The ongoing love and encouragement shown to the Manzi family is remarkable. We are forever grateful to everyone who keeps their memory alive through their generosity and giving!
With God's help and the amazing support of Berlin and beyond, the foundation has donated over $500,000 back to the community!
Our donation recipients include first responders, fire departments, veterans, safety programs, schools, music and special needs programs, social organizations, and more!
Recent notable donations are:
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Berlin Bears Football & Cheer / Concussion Awareness Campaign - Gold Sponsor ($1500)
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Instrument donation to Berlin Schools ($10,000)
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Professional ID Badge System for the Fire Departments ($5,000)
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The Gold Star Families Memorial in Berlin ($5,000)
In the World of Music
One of our most successful and ongoing achievements is the annual two week JAMF Summer Bandcamp Program. In 2024 we held our 8th camp, and had a record number of students! We are thrilled to be able to enrich the Berlin Band students' music education and experience! And, of course, we cannot forget The Joseph Manzi Music Lab created at McGee Middle School, which has become part of the music curriculum. In addition, we continue to donate instruments to schools and individuals as needed, and distribute music awards and scholarships.