Changing lives through the magic of music.
Join us in spreading kindness and changing the world one music note at a time.
(Self portrait Peter painted in 7th grade)
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” — Plato
Aesop
Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation
Continuing Peter's Legacy
The Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation is an organization dedicated to honoring the memory of a young musician who passed away on December 31, 2023 at the age of 25. Peter was a jazz bassist who loved nothing more than to play music and to spread his love and passion for jazz,
The mission of this foundation is to provide scholarships to high school students pursuing music degrees and to donate musical instruments and resources by way of grants to elementary schools in need.
It is through these efforts, we aim to keep
Peter's love of music and passion for jazz alive.
foundation mission
Our Mission
The Peter T. Blake Memorial Foundation was established as a means to cope with the profound grief I experienced upon losing my son at the tender age of 25. Peter was a gifted musician who harbored an insatiable passion for education and the dissemination of his love for music, particularly jazz.
Our mission is straightforward: to continue Peter’s legacy by providing scholarships to exceptional high school students pursuing further education in music. Additionally, we will be presenting grants to underfunded music departments in select elementary schools.
These endeavors are made possible through our annual fundraiser and by generous donations from our family, friends and community.
Our Scholarships
The foundation has raised over $30,000 in donations since its inception in 2024.
So far the foundation awarded four $1,000 Peter T. Blake Memorial Scholarships.
June 2024, we awarded our first of two scholarships to students who attended the two high schools Simsbury High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Peter graduated from in 2016.
January 2025 the foundation hosted the first Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation Fundraiser and Birthday Celebration on what would have been Peters birthday.
June 2025, our second year, we awarded two scholarships to two deserving students, again to Simsbury High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.
January 2026 the foundation hosted the second annual Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation Fundraiser and Birthday Celebration.
June 2026, we will be presenting two scholarships to two students attending both Simsbury High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.
About Us
Learn more about our organization, our mission, and our values. We're dedicated to serving our community and making a positive impact in the world.
the Peter effect
I set out to make a difference and to inspire.
My heart is full.
My resolve strengthened.
My desire to keep going solidified
BRAVE SOULS CAME OUt IN SUPPORT OF OUR MIssion
Supporters
Even the tiniest supporter came! With over 75 guests, 42 raffle items, 7 silent auction and 1 "golden ticket" items and raised over $8,500 to continue our mission .
Live Music - Friends and bandmates braved the snow storm in support.
Cake and memories shared
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN PHOTOS
Become a Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation Hero
Attend Our Fundraisers
Our fundraiser will be an annual event the second Sunday in January.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about our cause by sharing our mission with your friends and family. Follow us on social media and invite others to join our community.
Join Our Team
If you're passionate about making a difference, join our team and become part of the Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation family. We're always looking for dedicated individuals to help us achieve our goals.
Contact INFORMATION
Peter T Blake Memorial Foundation
Waterford, Connecticut USA
Kay Ellen Bernardo President
