Fund-raiser brings scholarship closer to reality

Lorraine Leahy's living memorial to the two adult children she lost within two years of each other came closer to a reality Sunday when 65 people participated in a golf tournament at Silver Oaks to raise money for a college scholarship in their names.

"This not only carries on the legacy of two great Carsonites, but it's also a way to help future Carson High graduates to continue their education," said family friend Joe Tresnit who helped organize the event.

The family raised $6,000 toward the $10,000 needed for the University of Nevada, Reno, endowment. Interest raised on the endowment will be awarded as an annual scholarship.

"We hope to have the money by March so the first recipient will receive the scholarship in June 2004," Tresnit said.

Leahy, born and raised in Carson City as were her children, said she first began thinking of doing something when her daughter Erin, 26, died in 1998 of diabetes. But within two years, her son, Patrick, 33, died from a massive asthma attack.

With her surviving son Mike a father, Leahy was amused by the thought that her grandchildren, now in grade school, could conceivably be the recipients of the scholarship in their aunt's and uncle's names. Carson High School will select the students who receive the scholarship.

"I hope this scholarship continues forever. I plan on being around a little longer, but even when I'm not I hope the family continues it," she said.

Leahy hopes to make the golf tournament an annual event.

"I really do believe that Carson is one of the greatest communities," said Tresnit who recently moved to Las Vegas. "It's a special place."

When asked what is was about Patrick and Erin that made Tresnit so motivated to have a scholarship in their name he sighed.

"(Patrick and Erin) were so young and so giving," he said. "I guess these were the kind of people the Lord wanted with Him."

YOU CAN HELP

To donate to the scholarship fund, send donations to 1644 Molly Drive, Carson City, NV 89706. Make checks payable to Patrick and Erin Leahy Scholarship fund.