Pelican Bay - The Founders Scholarship Fund
The Founders Scholarship Fund awarded 32 College Scholarships to Collier County Students
(May 13, 2020 – Naples, FL) College scholarships were awarded to 32 Collier County students by The
Founders Scholarship Fund (FSF) during an online celebration on April 30. Soon–to–be high school grads, along with several parents and Founders Fund Board members, gathered via Zoom to celebrate and get acquainted during the hour–long event.
There were two surprises for the students during the celebration, the first was a special message of
hope and encouragement given by a Founders Fund 2009 scholarship recipient, Yvenalie Louissaint. The second announcement was made by Adam Crescenzi, FSF Board Chair; he announced the board voted to increase the four–year scholarship from $10,000 to $12,000 which is a $384,000 commitment to the incoming class of 2021.
Meg Tyre, Scholarship Committee Chair, introduced each student and asked them to speak about their college choice and area of study. The desired degrees and goals ranged from medical research and computer sciences to business management and law to name a few.
The Founders Scholarship Fund is a local 501 (c)3 non–profit organization that awards renewable scholarships to local students who have shown determination, academic achievements, and financial need to pursue a college education. Each student was to receive $2,500 per year for up to four years so long as they maintain a 3.0 average, however with the increase, each student will receive $3,000 per year. The scholarships are non–restrictive and are given to help students with college and post high–school educational expenses. Students receive the renewable scholarships with the agreement they are a full–time student and maintain a B average or better in their college studies. Founded in 1991 by Club Pelican Bay golf members, the organization has awarded scholarships to over $4.5 million to more than 725 students. Founders Fund Inc. is celebrating 30 years by increasing the scholarship to $3000 per year for four years and for more than 30 students.
“In the 30–year history of the Founders Fund, the need for scholarship assistance has never been so great as it has been these past two graduating classes,” said Adam Crescenzi, Board Chair for the Founders Scholarship Fund. “We are grateful to our donors who make it possible for us to award the scholarships and meet our obligations to over 100 students currently receiving the four–year renewable scholarships.”
Funds needed to grant the scholarships are raised through a fundraising golf event held every other year, donations from Club members, and the generous support of local business sponsors. The fundraising event was unable to be held in 2020, however according to Crescenzi, donors stepped up and made this year’s scholarships possible.
