Stan Lanzo Christmas Fund
The Stan Lanzo Christmas Fund was created to honor the life and legacy of Stanley J. Lanzo (1942–2021), a beloved Chattanooga attorney remembered for his compassion, fairness, and deep concern for others, especially children and families in need. Following his passing in 2021, Stan’s family and friends established this fund to continue his tradition of giving. Today, the Stan Lanzo Christmas Fund supports young adults in foster care, with a focus on those preparing for independent living through the Chambliss Center for Children’s Transitional Living Program. Each year, the fund provides holiday gifts, experiences, and meaningful moments that remind these youth they are cared for and supported by their community.
“Due to the generosity of the donors, I have a better and more productive way to do my homework because of the laptop they got me! It’s nice because they got me something that I needed and that I will use daily.”
“I really enjoyed the gifts and helping with the decorations! It made me feel like everyone was part of a big family. I also enjoyed the Christmas activities especially ice skating since it was my first time. I’m extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to join the activities, decorating and the gifts.”
How to Give
Your support helps keep Stan’s legacy of compassion alive. By donating to the Stan Lanzo Christmas Fund, you are helping provide gifts, celebrations, and a sense of belonging to young adults who might otherwise spend the holidays alone.
Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that every child and young adult in our care feels remembered, valued, and loved at Christmas.
About Stan Lanzo
Stanley J. Lanzo (1942–2021) was a beloved Chattanooga attorney whose life and career spanned nearly six decades. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, Stan is remembered for his service in Hamilton County as Executive Assistant District Attorney. For decades, he handled some of the community’s most difficult cases, standing as a tireless advocate for victims and their families.
After a distinguished career as a prosecutor, Stan began a second chapter in private practice as a defense attorney. There, he represented many of society’s most marginalized, bringing the same sense of fairness, dignity, and compassion that had defined his work in the DA’s office. He understood the toll that drugs, alcohol, and trauma took on families, especially on children, and never lost sight of the humanity in those who came before the court.
Outside the courtroom, Stan was known for his booming laugh, his distinct Boston accent, and his generosity. Each Christmas, he requested the wish lists of local foster children and quietly fulfilled them—especially for older youth who he feared might otherwise be forgotten. This quiet tradition of kindness became one of the most defining aspects of his life.
The Stan Lanzo Christmas Fund, established in 2021 by family and friends, continues that legacy. Each year, the fund provides gifts and experiences for young adults in foster care, with a particular emphasis on those transitioning to independent living through the Chambliss Center for Children’s Transitional Living Program. Thanks to this fund, Stan’s spirit of compassion and generosity lives on, ensuring that every child is remembered at Christmas.