a COOL deli

Ellen Sleevi, owner of Heidi's Brooklyn Deli in Centennial, CO, donated all the money her store made this past September 11th to a scholarship fund in honor of her younger brother, the Christopher Faughnan Scholarship foundation. September 11th is never an easy day for Ellen, she lost her brother who worked as a bond broker on the 103rd floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Christopher's wife, Cathy, created the scholarship to present money to the Arvada High School senior "who shows the potential to have the most positive impact on the world." Through this foundation his family is able to carry on his legacy which consisted of compassion, positivity, and love.

It took Ellen quite some time to come to terms with Christopher's untimely death but she was amazed by the support and love that poured in from across the country from family and friends, "If I wanted the message of 9-11 to be anything, it would be that love is so much more powerful than hate."

By annually riding in the CU Buffalo Classic bike ride in Christopher's name and working through the scholarship foundation the family continues to live their lives in honor of the 38 year-old father of three, "The scholarship foundation is an extension of him and empowers young people to make a profound impact on society in his name," Ellen states, "he was always trying to make the world a better place and we're trying to fill those gaps."

Here's to you Ellen for inspiring others to do COOL things in your brother's name and sorry for your loss-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the Christopher Faughnan Scholarship Foundation? If you would like to donate please call 303-790-0551.