On February 13, 1998 Michael J Palmer passed into eternal life at the age thirty. Soon after Mike's passing his family and friends began to think of a way to turn this devestating loss into something positive that would keep Mike's spirit alive. It was determined that a charity golf tournament to raise money in Mike's memory would be appropriate. Because Michael had been diagnosed with Diabetes several years earlier it was determined that the proceeds would be donated to the Diabetes Foundation of RI. To go a step further Mike's parents Ray & Jane asked that the funds be dedicated to fund the DFRI's children's programs. On June 27, 1998 the 1st Annual MJP Memorial Golf Tournament was held. The committee members were overwhelmed by the out pouring of support. What began as an idea to have Mike's friends and family members gather on the golf course to celebrate his memory turned into a tremendous financial success. We on the committee were overwhelmed by the generosity of those who participated in the tournament and our many corporate sponsors.

    Since the first event was so successful it was determined that in addition to our donation of Five-Thousand Dollars to the DFRI that we would establish the MJP Memorial Scholarship at Cranston West. Each year since 1999 we have awarded two-Five Hundred dollar scholarships to a graduating male and female student athlete. The primary criteria for this scholarship is based upon varsity athletic participation was well as a five hundred word essay on what that experiance meant to them. The sole decision regarding the awarding of the scholarship rests with Mike's siblings.