Teenage accident victim honored by family, community with memorial scholarship foundation

TINICUM TOWNSHIP, Pa – The Tinicum Township community rallied over the weekend in support of the Cole Gatti Scholarship Foundation.

The scholarship fundraising event was held Saturday at the Fox Smith VFW Post 4845 Auxiliary as local businesses stepped up to donate food and raffle baskets.

There was also a 50/50 raffle to raise scholarship money.

“A million thanks in a million worlds will never be enough for what everyone has done for Cole,” said Jennifer Gatti, Cole’s mother.

Cole tragically died in a car accident on April 5, 2023, just months before his 17th birthday.

He attended Interboro High School and planned to go into commerce. His parents said he was a trained carpenter and had a growing interest in the electrician field.

“He loved taking things apart and putting them back together. He loved anything that worked with his hands,” said Jim Gatti, Cole’s father.

“Cole didn’t have a chance and that’s what he wanted. His dream was to go to vocational school or try to get a union job, and since he couldn't do that, we want to help the students.” “I'm getting in his way,” Jennifer said.

Cole was also an animal lover, so the scholarships will also support students interested in the veterinary field.

His mother also wants to expand financial support for students who want to go into medicine.

Abbie Hilter went to school with Cole and said she is grateful to be part of a close-knit community that keeps his memory alive.

As a dancer in her senior year of high school, Hilter decided to dedicate her solo performance to Cole.

“It was called 'chasing shadows,' so I'm basically chasing his memory and knowing that he will always be with me and even though I can't see him, I can always feel him,” Hilter said.

Elementary school teacher Megan Cassidy also attended the fundraiser and said Cole was a third-grade teacher's dream.

“Cole was wonderful. I’ve always wanted to help someone,” Cassidy said. “Cole is a good boy because he comes from a good family.”

If you would like to support the Cole Gatti Memorial Scholarship Foundation, you can contact Jennifer Gatti at [email protected] or donate via Venmo.