IN THE WAKE of profound loss, the human spirit faces a defining choice: to let grief diminish us, or to channel it into a force that elevates others. When Lawrence P. “Larry” Cohen passed away, his family faced that very crossroad. Instead of letting sorrow have the final word, his sons, Neil and Michael Cohen, chose to build a legacy of resilience, courage, and compassion.
Established as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in June 2025, the Lawrence P. Cohen Memorial Scholarship Foundation was born. Today, the foundation ensures that the values that defined Larry’s life—perseverance, education, and community support—continue to spark hope where it is needed most. By providing financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who have overcome significant adversity, they are helping deserving students turn hard-fought perseverance into a doorway for opportunity.
The Power of Two: Financial Paths to the Future
The heartbeat of the foundation resides in its annual scholarship program, designed to offset the rising costs of two-year and four-year college tuition. Rather than focusing solely on traditional academic metrics, these awards celebrate the triumph of character over circumstance. The foundation focuses on two distinct areas central to Larry’s memory:
The IEP Student Scholarship: Tailored specifically for students with a diagnosed learning difference supported by an Individualized Education Program (IEP). It recognizes individuals who have shown unrelenting dedication to academic success while navigating learning challenges.
The Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship: Awarded to a resilient pediatric cancer survivor pursuing higher education at a four-year university, honoring young people who refuse to let medical hardships dictate their futures.
The foundation officially launched its giving in 2026, and this year’s event will feature an incredibly special milestone: honoring the foundation’s very first inaugural scholarship recipients, Kalynn Souza and Issac Dahn, who will be in attendance to celebrate their academic journeys.
Community in Concert: ‘Rocking the Cause’
Transforming tuition balances requires more than just good intentions—it takes a community. To fund these life-altering grants, the foundation hosts its signature annual event, the “Rocking the Cause” fundraiser.
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., the foundation will host its 2nd Annual “Rocking the Cause” gathering at the gorgeous The Cape Club of Sharon. Tickets are priced at $125, securing an entry to an unforgettable evening where music, memory, and philanthropy converge.
The event acts as a vital fundraising engine, bringing together friends, families, and local supporters for a night featuring:
Live Music & Entertainment: Energetic performances curated to celebrate community spirit.
Food & Drinks: An exceptional selection of food and an open bar to keep the evening lively.
Auctions & Raffles: High-value items up for grabs, giving attendees the chance to take home prizes while directly supporting a noble mission.
Every ticket sold and every dollar raised goes directly toward reducing financial barriers, creating clear pathways for students who demonstrate both need and promise.
How to Get Involved
The foundation relies on collective empathy to make its work possible. For details regarding attending, making a donation, or contributing an auction item, the public can reach out via phone at 617-460-5600 or by email at info@lpcohenfoundation.org.
More information, including application details, can be found directly on the official Lawrence P. Cohen Memorial Scholarship Foundation portal.
