DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING CHICAGOLAND YOUTH
The Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation (SBMF) is dedicated to honoring the life of one of Chicago's most fun-loving, dedicated, generous, creative, funny, and wonderful individuals.
Sam's legacy of living life to the fullest (usually with style or a theme) is celebrated by the foundation through community engagement and youth leadership opportunities.
​
The SBMF Scholarship Program aims to support high school seniors who will attend college the following school year and are committed to community service, kindness, and personal growth. Each year, the foundation will award two scholarships: one to a graduating senior from the Midtown Center for Boys and one to a graduating senior from the Metro Achievement Center for Girls. Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers guide low-income urban youth in Chicago along pathways of success.
The scholarships are designed to help students pursue higher education and make a positive impact on their communities.
​
Two Annual $5,000 Scholarships Awarded:
​
-
One for a graduating senior from Midtown Center for Boys and one for a graduating senior from Metro Achievement Center for Girls.
​
-
Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to receive $5,000 up to four years totaling $20,000.
​
-
Scholarship recipients must adhere to the academic and community service requirements in order to maintain the scholarship year-over-year.
​
We are thrilled to announce that in partnership with Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers, The Sam Bell Memorial Foundation will continue supporting their mission impact efforts in loving memory of Sam.​
As many of you know, Sam was the leading force behind Midtown Metro’s Soiree and Annual Golf Tournament for many years. Not only did Sam help the organization reach new milestones related to fundraising, but he also spearheaded other fundraising events, in addition to serving as a mentor to youth simultaneously for more than 10 years.
One of our foundation’s mission priorities is to honor Sam’s dedication to providing leadership to Chicagoland youth. The Sam Bell Scholastic Scholarship is currently offered exclusively to Midtown-Metro Senior boys and girls. Additionally, the Sam Bell Volunteer Impact Award will be awarded to Midtown-Metro's Volunteer of the Year at their Annual Soiree for their commitment to excellence and the local community.
Sam’s commitment to giving back to Chicago’s youth in various ways is one of the many characteristics he is remembered, honored, and celebrated for.
We are sincerely grateful to keep Sam’s legacy shining brightly by having the opportunity to partner with Midtown-Metro by supporting their commitment to our beloved Chicago community and celebrating dedicated volunteers.​
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
ROBERTO P.
LARYSSA O.
NATALIA R.
ADAMARI H.
Volunteer IMPACT AWARD
Thank you to Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers for the incredible partnership honoring Sam’s life and legacy at the 2025 Soirée!
Our team was honored to present the inaugural Sam Bell Volunteer Impact Award to Katie Knapp.
Katie’s passion for serving Chicagoland’s youth continues to make the community a brighter place. Her commitment as a MEF volunteer over the past decade is inspirational and greatly appreciated!
Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Sam Bell Volunteer Achievement Award Recipient, Katie Knapp!
