Official Riptide scholarship fund details

All,

A scholarship has now been officially set up in Alison’s name. Garth has given it his blessing. Below are details on how to contribute.

The Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund
As many of us know, Alison loved learning and teaching others about boating, fishing and marine life.

In that spirit, the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who exhibits a love for learning and a passion for nature, the environment or marine conservation.

Contribute by Mail
Checks should be made to The Guilford Foundation. In the memo, write "Alison Varian Memorial Fund"

Mail to:
The Guilford Foundation
PO Box 35
Guilford, CT 06437

Contribute Online
For online donations, go to the website here: http://www.guilfordfoundation.org/giving/giving-overview/

After you identify the amount you’d like to donate, you will be prompted for a "message." In the message, indicate that the gift should go to the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund.

It looks to fall under "legacy funds":

http://www.guilfordfoundation.org/legacy-funds/legacy-funds-overview/

I hope they quickly add the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund to the listing.

I am issuing an official CTF challenge. Anyone who worked harder, did more volunteering, or had a bigger impact on people than Riptide did as a true role model are exempt...

I joined the Guilford Shellfish Commission shortly after Alison died- she is sorely missed by her friends there. we have put a lot of thought and effort into establishing this scholarship, and have gotten a fair start on getting the fund started.... we are considering fund raising events in the future and will keep all of you posted on what comes up.

please take a minute and make a contribution- we are hoping to give some financial aid to students starting the Sound School to study aquaculture. it is a cause that Alison would surely approve of


thanks for your consideration

Thank you and congratulations to CTF. $1358 of this is the money we raised through Alipalooza! I added the rest personally to make it a nice even number!



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GREAT Jay!!!

Well done Ali-Palooza Outing Crew!!!

Many donations and winning tourney fish placings donated their prize money.

Awesome!


Alfonzo

That's great

Allison is smiling down upon us. Sorely missed to say the least.

Very nice Jay!!

Awesome Jay, I missed it and needed to do something. This is such a great way to honor Alison, the fund needs to be grown to a self-sustaining size!

Have they said how soon the legacy fund takes to get setup?

From what I understand, all of the contributions made with her name in the notation are being applied to her fund. A fund needs a $10,000 balance to become a perpetual fund. They give the administrator two years to raise the $10,000. Once her fund hits the $10,000 balance, then you should see it listed with the other legacy funds. I may have a few details wrong, but that's my understanding.




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Well Done Bo.

Well Done

Here is a copy of a press release regarding the scholarship:

Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund established at The Guilford Foundation

The Guilford Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund will award annual scholarships to graduating seniors of The Sound School in New Haven who intend to pursue careers in aquaculture, fisheries or marine science. The first scholarship award will be presented in June 2018.

The Fund honors the legacy of Alison Varian, who lost a courageous six-year battle with cancer on April 28, 2017. The Fund memorializes Alison’s many contributions to aquaculture, boating safety, fishing, fisheries and the ecology of Long Island Sound. Alison was an avid boater and fisherman who contributed to her community in many ways. Over the years, she diligently served as Chair of the Town of Guilford Shellfish and Harbor Management Commissions, Treasurer of the Guilford Marina Commission, certified U.S. Coast Guard vessel examiner and Commander of the Power Squadron (a non-profit organization dedicated to improving maritime safety and enjoyment through education.)

Beyond these contributions, Alison was a very special and inspiring person. Apart from her many interests, she had a talent for working with people. She knew how to help individuals understand themselves and each other. When differences arose, she found a way to bring people together. She was selfless, brave and always courteous. Even during her long struggle with illness, Alison managed to keep all of her commitments and always with a smile on her face.

“We are honored to hold this special permanent legacy fund,” said Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “Through this annual scholarship, Alison will be remembered for her good deeds, especially her time spent managing and protecting the harbors and coastal waterways in Guilford and the Long Island Sound.”

“We are so grateful for the support for our students” said Rebecca Gratz, Principal of The Sound School. “The Sound School is thrilled to be able to honor Alison's legacy in this way.”

Donations to the fund can be sent to The Guilford Foundation at P.O. Box 35, Guilford, CT 06437 or online at www.guilfordfoundation.org. Be sure to note the gift is for the "Alison Varian Memorial Fund" so that your donation is credited properly. For further information, contact Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of the Guilford Foundation, at (203) 640-4049.

Good job, and thank you to all that have donated so far, as well as all that will choose to donate in the future!!!! Alison would be very proud!




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this is correct- spot on! we (the Commission) are hopeful that we can continue our fundraising efforts in order to help as many students as possible. stay tuned for word on any upcoming events!!

and thanks to everyone for their contribution!!

Has any of this hit the New Haven Register yet? An article needs to hit the Shoreline section. Let me know if you would like some help with that.

Thank you