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Extended family of the late Jerrold “Jerry” Salmanson (Hope High School Class of 1959) have established a Scholarship fund in his name for Hope High School seniors.  

Philanthropy was important to Jerry and he was extremely generous within the Jewish community—the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center, Miriam Hospital, and Temple Emanu-El, serving on boards as well as being a donor. Other organizations he supported included the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

Jerry’s loyalty and devotion encompassed Rhode Island, and while none of his children remain here, he wanted his money put to good use right here in the state, which led to the formation of this scholarship as organized by his cousins, Deborah “Debbie” Blitz (Kushner), on his maternal side, and Rosalind “Roz” Hill, Jerry’s cousin on his paternal side. 

Jerry's father and uncles founded Adams Drug Co. in Rhode Island in the 1930s. When Jerry joined the company, he was part of the expansion and acquisitions which made Adams one of the largest drugstore chains in the country, with over 500 stores in 14 states employing more than 5,000 people. Jerry was an officer in the family business until its sale in 1984, after which he oversaw family investments as well as his own jewelry manufacturing business. 

Jerry, who died last year, was particularly close with Debbie and Roz, who also were Hope High School alumni. 

“Almost my entire family went to Hope, including me and my father,” says Roz. “We all lived within several blocks of each other on the East Side so we saw each other daily or had frequent family gatherings.” 

“And on the Kushner side, all the cousins also went to Hope,” adds Debbie. “Jerry's late sister was my best friend." 

As a lifelong resident of the state, Jerry was known for holding on to friendships for decades. His best friend from kindergarten was still one of his closest friends, who stood graveside at Jerry's funeral.

Jerry's intentions were always giving, not thinking twice about treating family and friends to expensive dinners, but also insisting on clipping coupons for Adams Drugs' one time competitor CVS, in order to save a few dollars. 

With this fund they hope they can support Hope High students reach their potential.