Teenager’s love of animals lives through gifts to Animal Protective Foundation
GLENVILLE, N.Y. >> The pets at the not-for-profit Animal Protective Foundation received a special holiday gift on Christmas Eve as family and friends of the late Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School student Deacon Martucci delivered boxes of pet supplies and a monetary donation in the young man’s memory.
Deacon, a junior at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, was killed in an automobile accident in August 2018. His family founded The Deacon Martucci Dreams Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity, to preserve and honor Deacon’s determination, dreams, and legacy.
The Foundation provides funding and aid to charitable causes that commemorate Deacon’s interests, as well as financial assistance to enable and inspire students of the Capital District to achieve their dreams in athletics, academics, and community service.
Deacon was a lifeline long animal lover and had planned to volunteer at the Animal Protective Foundation with his mother and brother.
The Dreams Foundation collected pet supply donations and monetary gifts from the public throughout the holiday season at the Glenville Veterinary Clinic, the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital, Ellms Family Farm and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School.
“Every day is devastating without my son, but his birthday and Christmas are especially heartbreaking,” said Deacon’s mother, Sharon Martucci.
“He had so many dreams and changed so many lives. Making this donation on the holiday helps me give gifts in his memory and gives me hope that his legacy will inspire others.”
APF Executive Director Deb Balliet said, “We are so thankful to Deacon’s family and friends, and everyone who contributed, for this very kind gesture. Deacon’s love of animals will be felt throughout our organization as we use the supplies to care for the pets, and the financial donation to provide veterinary care for pets in need, as well as support our many health and training programs to help prepare pets for adoption into their forever homes.”
The Animal Protective Foundation is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) full-service humane society providing services to Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region. The APF promotes and protects the humananimal bond by providing resources to the community and humane care to companion animals.
The organization accepts owner-surrendered cats, dogs and small animals, as well as stray dogs and cats, from Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region residents. The APF has an open-admission policy, which ensures that animals are not turned away based on their breed, age, condition, or circumstance.
Individuals and organizations wishing to join the Deacon Martucci Dreams Foundation in supporting the APF can do so online at animalprotective.org or by sending a check to Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Glenville, N.Y. 12302.