Past Events:

May 31, 2004 - Nearly 1,000 mourners paid their respects at the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home

June 1, 2004 - Funeral services were held at Idetown United Methodist Church. West Side Vocational Technical High School law enforcement honor guard flanked the entrance to the church. The honor guard then walked along side the wagon carrying Carrie's casket, pulled by Percheron draft horses, on the journey to the Idetown Cemtery. The Vernon Baptist Church Choir sang Amazing Grace, a favorite song of Carries'.

June 11, 2004 - Family and friends gather to commemorate what would have been Carrie's 21st birthday.

July 25, 2004 - Carrie Martin Memorial Hunter Classic was held at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds.

September 3, 2004 - The Luzerne County Fair held its Fair Queen Pageant. The pageant opened with the singing of the National Anthem by Jimmy Burge. Wendy Cadwalader and Tom Martin were presented with framed copies of the memorial to Carrie that was in the Luzerne County Fair Premium Guide. As Carrie could not make her own remarks or crown the next queen as tradition, a slide show covering Carrie's life span was presented.

September 12, 2004 - Carrie was missed, by remembered in many ways throughout the Luzerne County Fair. There were times of tears and times of smiles as family and friends paid tribute to Carrie and her life throughout the fair. As we gathered around the horse show ring during the Draft Horse Driving Show, a Lap of Victory touched each and everyone. Andy, the large Percheron that Carrie drove at the 2003 Fair, was led into the ring by Mr. Stone and Rich Harrison, hitched to the cart Carrie had won while serving as the Pa Draft Horse and Mule Queen. As Andy was led around the ring, a pair of Carrie's shoes, the shoes worn by her in her last ride during the 2003 Fair, sat in the cart. There wasn't a dry eye as Jane Morris, friend of the family, paid tribute to Carrie, her life and all the lives she had touched during her short stay on earth. As we were dabbing our eyes, we know Carrie was looking down at us with her big, beautiful smile and was with us in spirit during this Lap of Victory.

October 23, 2004 - A benefit concert was held by the Carrie Martin Foundation at the Idetown Fire Hall. Those attending enjoyed live music, great food, beverages and raffles.

January 22, 2005 - The 19th Pennsylvania Fair Queen Coronation at the Hershey Loadge & Convention Center held a luncheon and named the 2005 queen. The luncheon began with fond words of Carrie, followed by the lighting of a candle and a moment of silence.

April 15, 2005 - Wise Crackers Comedy Club @ the Brass Rail Restaurant and Saloon, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Fund raising event for the Carrie Martin Foundation.

June 6, 2005 - Congratulations to Robert J. Meyers III, our first scholarship recipient. Candice Taylor recieved the Carrie Martin Fine Arts Scholarship, sponsored by West Side Technical Vocational School. Congratulations and good luck to both!

September 25, 2005 - A National Day of Rembrance for Murder Victims was held at the Luzerne County Courthouse sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children. The event included guest speakers, a slide presentation of those lost to acts of homocide, refreshments, and games for children, as well a candle lighting ceremony. Tears were shed not only for Carrie, but for all those lost through senseless acts of violence. A special thanks to all those who attended, showing your love and support. We may not be able to say we have walked in your shoes, but we can walk beside you to offer whatever support we can give.

September 29, 2005. Dining at Uno Chicago Grill - 20% of your bill donated to the scholarship fund. Thanks to all attended.

Adult Doubles 3-6-9 Tournament at the New Back Mountain Bowl, Memorial Highway, Dallas, Pa. Thanks Tim Doty, who sponsored the event as his senior project. Tim raised $1300 for the scholarship fund. Thank you Tim, and all who participated!!!

May 28, 2006 - Bike Run and Benefit - The ride started at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds and ended at Konefal's Grove in Chase, which included food and beverages, as well as live music provided by Silent Thunder (www.silentthunderband.com). Thanks so much to all who participated.

June 5, 2006 - Congratulations to Caitlin M. Williams, this year's winner of the scholarship. Good luck with your future, Caitlin!

December, 2006 - Parade of Christmas Trees - Grotto pizza held a Parade of Christmas Trees in December. Twenty-eight company's sponsored trees for various charities. Customers voted for thier favorite tree (or charity), $1 per vote. One-half of the cost of sponsoring a tree goes directly to the charity sponsored. The remaining one-half went into a pool and was awarded to the winning tree/charity. The event raised $286.50 for the scholarship fund, putting the tree in 8th place. The winner was Dino's Supremem Cleaning, who sponsored Amanda Kachmarsky "In Memory of Adam Diser." Thanks to everyone who voted. And a special thanks to Christie at Benton Roller Mills for sponsoring the tree! Let's see if we can get closer to the top next year!

May 27, 2007 - 2nd Annual Bike Run and Benefit - This year's ride and benefit was sponsored by the Weekender. The ride again started at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds and ended at Konefal's Grove in Chase, which included food and beverages, as well as live music provided by the Barlords. Thanks so much to all who participated.

December, 2007 - Parade of Christmas Trees - Grotto Pizza held a Parade of Christmas Trees in December.

The 3rd Annual Bike Run and Beneft was held May 25, 2008. Thanks to all participants for another successful year! Special thanks to Strawberry Jam and Damn Naybers for providing entertainment.

December, 2008 - A tree will be decorated again at Grotto Pizza, Harvey's Lake. Proceeds benefit various charities. Please drop by and vote!

Upcoming Events:

The Annual Bike Run and Benefit Plan will be held May 29, 2010. Call Wendy @ 639-5020 for details. Hope to see you there!

Check back periodically for updates.

The Carrie Martin Foundation has been formed to provide a scholarship to a West Technical Vocational School student. Donations to this fund can be mailed to the Luzerne Foundation, 613 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-7944. (www.luzfdn.org). The Luzerne Foundation was established in 1994 as a means for individuals and families, businesses, clubs and other charitable organizations to make and preserve gifts and bequests to benefit the community. Donations can be made to the Luzerne Foundation with a request for the tax deductible donation to be designated for the Carrie Martin Foundation.

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