FREDERICK, MD – Oct. 16, 2023: The Gabrielle Diana Kennedy Benton Memorial Fund has been created with The Community Foundation of Frederick County to support nonprofit organizations that provide mental health programs for children and youth, particularly those programs focusing on adverse childhood experiences, or programs supporting people with disabilities, with a preference for individuals with Down Syndrome.
Jay and Melissa Wastler created the fund to honor their daughter, Gabrielle, who died in a car accident in 2021 at the age of 33. Gabrielle was a Certified Nursing Assistant and held several positions using her certification. Her kind heart and love for helping others was evident in her work with children and adults with special needs. The Wastlers want to make a difference in providing support for children who have experienced trauma and they believe that this fund is a testament to Gabrielle’s commitment to care for her patients, family, and friends.