The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center will honor the legacy of long-time board member Senator Bill Walaska with a memorial fund in his name.

The Senator Bill Walaska Pathways Pioneer Fund will be announced in the Senate Lounge on June 14 at 3 p.m., with state officials and members of the Walaska family on hand. Senator Bill Walaska embraced the mission of the Trudeau Center to promote an enhanced quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities. He was a pioneer during his 23 years of service in the Rhode Island Senate as President Pro Tempore and Vice Chairman of Commerce.

“Bill worked hard for the people of Warwick and proudly served his district; we all lost a good friend,” said Senate President Dominick Ruggerio in a statement. “The Pathways Pioneer Fund in his name is a fitting tribute to him because Bill loved kids and loved serving on the board of Trudeau.”

Pathways Pioneers is a summer camp that provides inclusive, one-on-one support for children with autism.

“One of the many qualities I always admired about Bill was his very personal commitment to serving the many causes in our community. His dedication to the Trudeau Center was well known in the Senate. Bill hired numerous individuals with disabilities over the years, and he always beamed with pride when he talked about the work of the Trudeau Center. This memorial fund in his name is a perfect way to honor his memory,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey.

“Summer camp costs can be expensive for families whose children have developmental disabilities,” said CEO Judith Sullivan, “but we’re hopeful that the Senator Bill Walaska Pathways Pioneer Fund will afford some of these children a priceless summer camp experience; and we know that’s what Bill would want. What a wonderful way for his memory to live on for years to come.”

The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center in Warwick has been helping people with disabilities for over 50 years. The Trudeau Center serves over 1,200 individuals in over 50 communities in Rhode Island, as well as in Massachusetts and Connecticut.