Delmonico family on the road to help others

There were three different looks on the faces of people who attended Sunday’s first Car and Bike Show to benefit the Melissa Delmonico Scholarship Foundation.

There were smiles displayed by many show-goers as they ambled about Johnston Memorial Park, admiring the unique antique cars as well as today’s different models of motorcycles.

There was the sign of concern by people who came to the show just to show their support for the foundation.

Then there was the sign of pain; the stunning sting of a 19-year-old girl who was senselessly murdered on Jan. 29, 2009.

“You can’t imagine what this has done to our lives,” said Annette Delmonico, the late Melissa Delmonico’s grandmother, as she went through a pile of memorial t-shirts. “This has destroyed us. You function, but you’re never the same. This is too tragic.”

That somber tone was felt by many at the show, which was more like a food and music festival, replete with a disc jockey who played oldies music nonstop.

From the time some 70 antique cars and nearly 20 old and new motorcycles registered for the scholarship foundation benefit, people were quick to take out their wallets to donate money that will be used to help fund the educations of present and future nursing students at the Community College of Rhode Island.

The late Melissa Delmonico was enrolled in the Nursing Program at CCRI at the time of her passing. She was also a waitress at Ralph’s Kitchen, located at the Kelley-Gazzero VFW Post on Plainfield Pike. She loved animals and helping people of all ages.

“She babysat for everybody,” recalled David Delmonico, Melissa’s uncle. “She loved helping people…she was such a great, great kid.”

Meanwhile, Melissa’s father, Michael Delmonico, tried to be as upbeat as possible. He, too, is always battling the pain of her tragic murder.

“I try to keep as busy as I can,” he said. “I keep saying I’m doing this for her; I have to keep her name alive. But it’s very, very emotional.”

The many caring people who either attended Sunday’s Car & Motorcycle Show or who entered their vehicle in the event raised a total of $4,500 for the Scholarship Foundation.

“That’s over four scholarships,” Michael Delmonico said, his voice cracking with emotion. “We are just overwhelmed by the support. We thank all the people who donated to the foundation. The people who came here had an unselfish nature, just like Melissa did.”

Michael said that a game dinner would be held on Oct. 17 at Ralph’s Kitchen at the Kelley-Gazzero VFW Post at 1418 Plainfield Pike in Cranston. All proceeds from that event will also go to the scholarship foundation. For tickets, call 473-4124 or 464-4440.

The application deadline for the spring semester scholarships, which are awarded to CCRI nursing students who are in need of financial aid, is Oct. 31. Requests should be sent to the Melissa Delmonico Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 19210, Johnston, RI 02910.

The most recent scholarship winners are Sheralyn Garcia and Myra Paucar, both of Providence; Heather Smith of North Smithfield, Lauren Fisher of Pawtucket, and Heather Cundy of Narragansett.

“Even in death she’s helping people,” Annette said. “She’s helping nursing students get the degree she ever so dearly wanted for herself.”