Photo Gallery: Melissa Delmonico Car & Truck Show Fundraiser

The Melissa Delmonico Scholarship/Charity Foundation held its second annual car & truck show fundraiser to benefit nursing students and animal league rescue efforts on Sept. 18 at .

Family members started the foundation following Melissa's murder in 2009.

At the time, Melissa was studying to be a nurse at the Community College of Rhode Island. Now, 80 percent of the money raised by the foundation goes toward a scholarship fund for nursing students.

The other 20 percent assists local animal rescue efforts and the Rhode Island Police Work Dog Association, according to the foundation's website.

Michael Delmonico, Melissa's father, explained the foundation — begun just five months after she died with a May breakfast — "keeps her name alive."

The organization plans at least two fundraising events every year. Earlier this year, the group had a chicken and macaroni dinner fundraiser.

So far, Michael said, the response from the community has been positive.

"[A total of] $10,000 was raised last year between three fundraising events," explained Michael.

About 70 vehicles were included in the Sept. 18 show, along with all different kinds of vendors, a game booth, rock climbing and a 50/50 raffle.

Update: In an e-mail message after this article was published, Donna Delmonico reported that the car & truck show raised about $4,000.