Who was Mike Petrone? and what is the Foundation about?
What we are about ...
The Michael Petrone Foundation was established to provide charitable funding for purposes that were important to him and reflective of the way that Mike lived. These purposes include scholarship, helping the homeless, and generally being there to help people in need. The primary objective of the Foundation is to perpetuate the impact that Mike had in many people's lives and to celebrate the love that his friends and family have for him.
The Foundation is an IRS Section 503(c) not-for-profit organization.
The MPF's tax identification number is 23-3000762.
The official registration and financial information of The Michael Petrone Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Grant Request Form
If you are requesting a grant from the Foundation, please fill out the MPF Grant Request Form (click below) and submit any additional supporting documentation you feel appropriate that would help support or justify your request. No grant requests will be honored unless the form is submitted per the instructions.
Please click here to download the MPF Grant Request Form
Below are some brief anecdotes from friends and family of Mike that we hope give you some insight into the special kind of person he was and the impact he had on all of our lives.
We are sure that after reading some of these, you will agree he was the best friend a person could have and is worthy of having this Foundation named in honor of him.
If you have your own "Mike Story", please email it to ted.botzum@MPFoundation.org. We would love to hear from you!
Mike - what a guy!
Mike and I were driving together once and we were on City Line Avenue and it was cold and rainy outside. A little old Asian lady was selling roses for $5 each and approached our car and asked Mike if he wanted one. He said sure and flashed that ear to ear smile (you know the one that I’m talking about!) and proceeded to hand her a five.
When she handed him the rose he said that’s all right, I bought it for you!That little old lady was shocked and asked “you sure?” and Troney said “you work hard, you deserve it!” She was genuinely touched by Troney. And she smiled and waved at him as the light changed and we drove off. He was one of the original Random-Acts-Of-Kindness doers and taught me something about generosity to strangers that day.
God Bless Troney!
Harry Alba
Ted, Mike & Mick - the Pride of Locust Street at a Phillies game back when we all had hair
Mike and I first met when we were in 1964 when we were 5 years old. Back then, and for most of our lives, he dwarfed me in size. As I found out through the next 35 years, what made he that big was the size of his heart. Of course, his size came in handy every now and then. We were inseparable as kids. He was my protector as we grew up on the north side of Norristown.
In those early days – we were probably less than 10 years old, based upon where we lived with a junior high school less than a block away, on more than a rare occasion I would find myself in a predicament where some of the students of that school would look to “rough me up”. I can’t tell you how many times Mike “intervened” if you know what I mean. He was always there for me in one way or another from those early days on Locust Street through the many moves I made professionally along with raising our kids. He was “Uncle Mike” to my children. My son had the honor of having him as his godfather. I had the honor of having Mike as my best friend.
I think of Mike and miss him every day. Ted Botzum
Troney & Camp - age 7
Okay ~ it's my turn ~ Rosanne & John's wedding........ Mike & I walked together ~ who could have asked for a better escort?!?!? We started laughing in church before Mr. & Mrs. were even introduced ~ God only remembers what brought that on ~ we laughed in the car going to the "insurance pond" for pictures ~ we laughed and laughed at the Chateau in Plymouth when the bridesmaids were wearing the guys bowties and cumberbuns and the groomsmen were wearing our turquoise hats as we danced on the tables!!!!!!!! I don't remember Mr. Benson laughing.
Laughing with Mike ~ how much fun we had with our friend. We have so many good memories ~ how blessed we are. I wonder how many weddings Mike was in?!?
