Number of Participants: 40
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $1,352
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Sport: Wrestling
School: Island Trees High School
Date: December 8, 2023
Location:
Island Trees High School
Straight Lane, Levittown
NY
About:
Each year, the Varsity wrestling team organizes a four-team wrestling tournament in memory of Island Trees graduate and former wrestler, Daniel Fuentes. Daniel, who tragically lost his life in April 2007 while serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq, is honored through this event. This year’s tournament saw participation from the communities of Hicksville, Uniondale, and Jericho.
The Fuentes family has established a foundation in his honor, known as the Spc. Daniel Fuentes Memorial Scholarship fund. Its primary mission is to provide college education opportunities for other Island Trees “Bulldogs.” Over the years, the foundation has awarded more than 60 scholarships to students who embody Danny’s values of honesty, loyalty, and courage.
In 2017, after a decade of successfully operating the scholarship fund at Island Trees High School, the Fuentes Family expanded its efforts by creating the Non-Profit Daniel Fuentes Foundation. This foundation not only continues to offer scholarships to Island Trees Seniors but also extends its support to active military personnel, veterans, and Military K-9s. In recent times, their contributions have included donating custom wrestling apparel to the Island Trees Wrestling Team and sending care packages to soldiers overseas. Additionally, they provide essential supplies like food and medications to Military K-9s, addressing their medical needs.
The wrestling tournament serves as a fundraiser to support this foundation, which positively impacts not only Island Trees students but also numerous other deserving individuals and causes.
