As an organization dedicated to members of the military, the Olmsted Foundation understands what it means to lose people close to you. The Foundation has lost three Scholars from Leukemia and Lymphoma: Colonel Robert Yablonski (OSC ’80), Captain Steve Murphy (OSC ’96) and Brigadier General Tony Smith (OSC ’62). Colonel Yablonski had served as the Executive Vice-President of the Olmsted Foundation. Captain Murphy passed away while serving as Chief, Strategy and Alignment Branch, Surface Warfare Division, Navy Staff, Pentagon. General Smith served on the Olmsted Foundation Board of Directors and also as the Chairman of the Board. All three were exceptional in their duty and dedication to the nation, their Service and the Olmsted Foundation.
After Colonel Yablonski’s passing in 2009 the Foundation began participating at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk. Scholars and Olmsted supporters continue to walk in the event in honor of Colonel Yablonski, Captain Murphy and General Smith.
This Fall the Olmsted Foundation will sponsor its sixteenth “Light the Night” team. It will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 25th at Reston Town Center. The Olmsted Foundation team will again participate in memory of Bob Yablonski, Tony Smith and Steve Murphy and all in support of the fight against leukemia and lymphoma. The Team, consisting of Olmsted Scholars, their families and friends, will work to raise funds for this cause. Last year the team raised $19,585, and over the past fifteen years Olmsted Teams have raised over $191,000 in total.
Please visit our team page to join the team or to make donations and contribute to the 2024 fund drive.