Joe Kareta in 2010 at his commencement ceremony at Westfield State. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Kareta family of Westfield will hold a Memorial Scholarship Benefit to honor the memory of Joe Kareta on Sunday, September 14 from 2-7 p.m. at the Summit View in Holyoke.
Joe Kareta earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State in 2010 and passed the State Police Exam shortly after graduation. Just three months later, he was struck by a drunk driver while walking to the mailbox at his aunt’s house in South Hadley, and died from his injuries.
To honor Joe, parents Fred and Kathy Kareta, sister Kerry Kareta, and aunt Marilyn Sicotte established the Joe Kareta Scholarship. Two separate scholarships are awarded by the Citizen’s Scholarship Fund and the Westfield State University Foundation. The scholarship is awarded annually to multiple recipients. Any high school senior or present Westfield State student from Hampden or Hampshire County who is studying criminal justice or a related field and demonstrates a financial need, a track record of volunteerism in their community, and has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, is eligible to apply for the funds.
“We wanted to create something positive out of something so horrific,” Sicotte said.
The proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Joe Kareta Scholarship. Kathy Kareta said they modeled the criteria for the scholarship after Joe, particularly the community service aspect.
“Joe was always volunteering for stuff,” Kathy said. “He fixed a fence at a church that he didn’t even go to. Even the day he died, he did five good deeds.”
Fundraising began in 2010 shortly after Joe’s death. Sicotte jokily suggested they raise $100,000 for the scholarship, and little did she know, their goal would be met in less than four years.
“It’s amazing,” Sicotte said. “I’m very proud of the people who have consistently helped us raise this money. Nothing of this magnitude could come from one person.”
Fred Kareta agrees.
“It’s all thanks to the people of the community,” Fred said.
Sicotte said the scholarship allows Joe’s legacy to live on.
“Nothing will ever replace him, but every time we hold a fundraiser or give out a scholarship, someone hears Joe’s story,” Sicotte said. “It keeps Joe’s memory alive.”
Fred and Kathy Kareta said they will continue fundraising efforts and hope to increase the value of the scholarship and the number of scholarships awarded over time.
Tickets are $20. There will be a buffet dinner, cash bar, and live music by Dan O’Sullivan and the Bad Habit Band. Your benefit ticket automatically enters you into a raffle for 300 lottery tickets and additional raffle tickets are available for purchase with prizes including a lobster cruise down Cape Cod, Patriots and Red Sox game tickets, sports memorabilia, a designer purse, and more.
Tickets can be purchased from the following people: Barry and Janet Stowe (413) 642-3930, The Kareta family (413) 533-9725, Marilyn Sicotte (508) 867-6875, and Pat Paul (413) 427-3006.
