Glenn Porter remembered at golf event for foundation

Hundreds of people attended the first Glenn Edward Porter III Memorial Golf Outing.

The sun was shining — and Glenn Porter was surely smiling down on the greens — as hundreds of his friends, family and supporters gathered Monday at Nemacolin Country Club to raise money in his name.

Glenn, 20, was a beloved son of the Mon Valley and soon-to-be police officer when he was killed in an auto accident June 23, 2023. A car crossed over the center line and hit the vehicle he was driving head-on while he was on his way to a family vacation in Delaware.

Glenn had just graduated to become a police officer and accepted a full-time position with the California Borough police department.

The GEP3 Scholarship Foundation was set up in his memory, and Monday’s Glenn Edward Porter III Memorial Golf Outing was the first fundraiser for the foundation.

Spots for 160 golfers sold out shortly after the event was announced.

“It was nice to see a variety of ages in our golfers, from Glenn’s closet friends to some of his grandfather’s closest friends,” said Glenn’s mother, Laurie Porter.

Along with being a fundraiser, Monday’s event served as a venue to host people who were nearest and dearest to Glenn.

“It was great to see so many people come out today, some family and some that I have never met,” said his cousin, Ethan Flack. “Glenn would have loved it.

“It’s amazing to see how many people can pull together for a great cause.”

Nearly a hundred more tickets were sold to welcome people for dinner and numerous silent and basket auctions that were donated.

In addition to golfers and dinner guests, more than 30 volunteers helped make the outing a success.

Eric Porter, Glenn’s father, said Monday’s event was more than the family could have expected.

“We were humbled by the outpouring of support from our family, friends and the community,” he said. “The generosity and love is just beyond words. Glenn would be proud to see all of these people.”

His mother said Monday’s golf outing went off without a hitch despite the unusually warm weather.

“It really was such a nice day event with it being so hot,” she said. “Everyone was so kind and patient and really seemed to enjoy themselves.

“Everyone was so generous and this will be a significant contribution to the scholarship foundation.”

Porter’s family plans to hold a second fundraiser this fall in the form of a hero’s gala.

Also Monday, recipients of the GEP3 Scholarship Foundation were recognized.

The foundation, established by Porter’s family, will award six scholarships this year.

Earlier this year, graduating seniors McKenna DeUnger, Aiden Jackson, Sofia Celaschi and Madalynn Lancy from Charleroi Area High School received $500 scholarships from the foundation.

One $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Christopher Rhodes, who completed Act 120 certification from IUP on Friday. This coming Friday, another student from Robert Morris, Richard Henderson, who has completed the Act 120 certification will also receive a $3,000 scholarship.

For more information on the GEPIII Foundation, upcoming fundraisers or events, or to donate directly, go to gep3. org.