The Van Duzer Foundation, all the Big Apple employees that participated and volunteers want to thank everyone who came out to show support for Francis Smith, a Boy Scout whose life was cut short at the age of 17.

In November, we met a great young man named Francis Smith,one of the boy scouts participating in our first-ever Battle at the Big Apple, Francis helped us collect over 37,000 pounds of food to help members of our community who are in tremendous need during this difficult economic crisis.

On February 1st, Francis, who was working on becoming an Eagle Scout, died suddenly. As you can imagine, his family is devastated, as are all of his fellow scouts and friends. Indeed, the entire community has suffered a great loss because it's always a tragedy when a bright young star is extinguished too soon.

We know this is a tremendously difficult time for the family and they are suffering, not just a great sadness, but a financial burden that no family should ever have to endure. Between medical expenses and funeral costs, the Smith family needs our help.

Additional contributions ca be made at any National City Bank branch under the Francis C. Smith Fund.