True stories of inspiring generosity

Each year, people from all walks of life make generous donations to Placer Community Foundation. We use these funds to issue grants to the nonprofit organizations working to resolve pressing community needs and seize important community opportunities. Together, we’re making life better in Placer County.

Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund

For Vincent and Eileen Bellotti establishing a fund at the Placer Community Foundation in their daughter’s memory today means knowing they are providing teens life-saving training and helping to prevent parents from experiencing a tragic loss like they themselves have suffered.

The Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund provides scholarships to teenagers in Placer County to participate in driving survival and car control clinics. In 2002 Vincent and Eileen’s daughter, Stephanie lost her life in a car accident at the age of 16.

Stephanie was known in her community for being a loyal friend to anyone that needed one. Raised in Loomis, CA, she attended Del Oro High School and was a member of the Del Oro Band Color Guard. An average student, she found great interest and success in projects around technology and art. For her senior project she managed the construction of Color Guard costumes for the year, and designed and made flags for the whole team. She wanted to pursue a career in fashion and was particularly interested in costume design.

Throughout her life Stephanie played soccer and took karate and ballet lessons. She loved children, was not shy, and made friends easily. She took note of kids who looked like they needed a friend and would readily reach out to them. Her parents remember taking these new friends along with the family to events like footballs games because Stephanie knew they weren’t afforded those kinds of opportunities elsewhere. After her death her parents were struck with pride by the long list of genuine friends Stephanie had developed.

Stephanie died in a car accident which the Bellottis believe a more experienced driver may not have had. Another young girl was also killed in the accident. The Bellottis continue to experience tremendous and constant remorse for the loss of both girls. “We hope that creating the Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund will save other lives,” they stated. “We sincerely want to spare other kids and their parents from the tragedy we have experienced.”

Make a gift today to help support the ongoing work of this fund. Contributions are tax deductible and will be acknowledged as such by letter. Checks can be made payable to “Placer Community Foundation.” Please specify the Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund in the memo and send to: P.O. Box 9207, Auburn, CA 95604. You may also make your contribution online. For questions, please contact us.