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
2026 Scholarship Night & The Legacy of Kindness Award
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
For the third year, I had the honor of standing on two high school stages, presenting scholarships to students who exemplify the values Peter lived every day—kindness, compassion, generosity, and service to others.
It is a privilege to carry Peter's legacy forward in this way. What began as a mission to honor his life continues to grow, touching the lives of young people as they pursue their dreams.
The foundation was built on the belief that music has the power to inspire, heal, and change lives. Through our scholarships and awards, we celebrate not only student achievement, but also the character and kindness that Peter embodied.
Each year, I leave these ceremonies with a full heart, grateful to see Peter's legacy living on through the students we recognize and support.
The Legacy of Kindness Award
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
Along with the two scholarships awarded this year, we were honored to present the inaugural Legacy of Kindness Award—a special recognition created to celebrate the qualities that defined Peter's life. This award was presented to a student whose compassion, generosity, and genuine care for others reflect the spirit Peter shared so freely with everyone he met.
Accompanied by a certificate and a Kit Kat bar—Peter's favorite treat—the award serves as a simple but meaningful reminder that kindness matters. It recognizes those who lead with their hearts, lift others up, and make a difference through everyday acts of compassion.
Through this award, Peter's legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation to choose kindness, offer support, and leave the world a little better than they found it.
For Peter. Always for Peter
Carrying Peter's Legacy Forward
For Peter. Always for Peter
Sharing these moments with students, celebrating their accomplishments, and offering encouragement as they begin the next chapter of their lives is one of the greatest privileges of our mission. Standing beside them as they are recognized for their hard work, character, and kindness is both humbling and inspiring.
I often think this is exactly what Peter would have wanted—championing others, believing in their potential, and making sure they knew they were seen, valued, and supported. Peter had a way of making people feel important, and through these awards and scholarships, that spirit continues to shine.
Every scholarship awarded, every act of kindness recognized, and every embrace shared with a student is a reminder that Peter's legacy is not confined to memories of the past. It lives on in the lives we touch, the dreams we help nurture, and the young people who carry his values forward into the future. ❤
For Peter. Always for Peter.
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
The thank yous are cherished reminders that these
scholarships and awards
are making a meaningful difference.
One recipient expressed their gratitude through a beautiful sketch of
Peter—a gift that was both unexpected and deeply touching.
BRAVE SOULS CAME OUT (braved the storm) IN SUPPORT OF OUR MI
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
Cake and memories shared
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN PHOTOS
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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
