Supporting Students Affected By Gun Violence

In honor of our daughter Karli and her unborn child whom we lost to gun violence in 2021 we started the Karli Short Better Tomorrow Scholarship Fund.

The endowment assists students with financial needs who have been affected by gun violence. In our first two years of operation we have been able to establish five scholarships that support students at Penn State Greater Allegheny, located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. This year we have expanded the scholarship endowment to support students at Penn State University Park. Join us in creating a Better Tomorrow.

Your donation is fully tax deductible EIN #88-2372335

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3rd Annual Karli Short Scholarship Fund Gala

Please join us for a fun night for a great cause on Friday, June 7th. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing.

Hosted by TV host, actor, comedian and Former NFL Defensive Tackle

Anthony “Spice” Adams

Keynote Speaker

Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh

AND MANY MORE SPECIAL GUESTS!

About Us

On September 13, 2021 we lost our daughter Karli and her unborn child to gun violence last September.  Our grief is inexpressible. No parent should know the anguish of losing a child, but our heartache is made more wrenching because it was brought about by a senseless act of gun violence.

As we reckon with the tragedy of our loss, we also hold tight to the memory of Karli’s magnificent spirit – her eagerness to love and sacrifice for the sake of others. We are determined that Karli’s legacy will not be defined by the wrong that was done to her but by the kindness and compassion that radiated from her. So, as we grieve, we are also doing what Karli would have done: striving to lift up those who are struggling.

Mahreen and I have launched the “Karli Short Better Tomorrow” Scholarship Fund to support students at Penn State Greater Allegheny, located in our hometown of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. The endowment will assist students with financial needs who have been affected by gun violence.

The scale of these tragedies is staggering. More than 45,000 Americans die from gun-related injuries annually. Gun murders, in particular, have climbed sharply in recent years, and communities of color are greatly overrepresented among the victims. Sadly in 2019, The National Council for Home Safety and Security rated McKeesport, Pennsylvania as the 4th most dangerous city in the United States – so there are a lot of young people in our area that could really use our help.

Our endowment has a twofold purpose. First, to provide financial security to students who are grappling with the fallout from gun violence. And second, to ensure undergraduates have the tools and support to leverage their own talents and hard work to reach their tremendous potential-to create a “Better Tomorrow.”

Now, we’re asking you to be part of the solution. Mahreen and I are launching this effort and invite you to join us in honoring Karli’s memory by adding your support to further strengthen and grow this fund. Understanding you likely have many commitments on giving, any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Penn State will manage the endowment and you can contribute by clicking on the Donate link.