A new fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties will support college education and essential human services organizations through proceeds from a newly released children’s book.

The Anthony “Chip” Lombardo Memorial Fund was established by the family of Anthony Lombardo Jr., aka “Chip,” who passed away in July 2021. Chip built his life with his wife, Karen, by his side, along with their children, Amelia and Jack. A special English Bulldog, Miss Tillie, who was rescued just a mere three months before Chip’s passing, completed their family.

Chip & Tillie Books, LLC evolved as Karen, a professional writer, was looking for a way to honor her late husband’s memory. The first book, “Silly Lily Saves Miss Tillie,” is available now and can be purchased through Amazon, local bookstores, or through the publisher, Troy Book Makers. Sixty percent of sales will be donated to the memorial fund.

“Miss Tillie and I have lived through some complex and challenging times and some days, I don’t know who rescued who,” Karen said. “This book, which is the first in a series of four that I’m working on, is to show children that everyone is afraid of something, and most of the time, you need a buddy to get you through it.”

Proceeds from the fund will support upperclassmen in college, providing scholarships and resources that enable them to focus on their studies and thrive in their academic pursuits. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to rescue missions, ensuring that vital assistance and support are extended to those in need.

“One of the goals of this fund is to help upperclassmen who are struggling to afford college,” she explained. “It’s easier for freshmen to get large amounts of funding because there are more available out there for them, but as you move through your degree, the scholarships become few and far between. I remember being a senior at Sienna College, working full-time to make ends meet, and my advisor told me that I didn’t have enough funds to finish out my final semester. For weeks I was uncertain that I would be able to afford to graduate on time. Chip and I agreed that we didn’t want to see students struggle like that, which is why the main goal of his fund is to help financially support students.”

Inspired by a profound desire to create a lasting impact, Karen aims to contribute to something much larger than herself by channeling her grief into positive action.

“I knew that to honor Chip’s life, I needed to do something more than just make a donation somewhere in his name,” she said. “I wanted to do something bigger that would last well beyond my time and transcend into my children’s lives for generations to come. That’s what I hope, what I know, this fund will accomplish.”

To make a charitable donation in Chip’s memory, visit www.foundationhoc.org/chip or send checks made payable to the “Anthony ‘Chip’ Lombardo Memorial Fund” to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.

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