As the First State mourns two Wilmington firefighters who lost their lives last weekend, a new scholarship fund is being set up to ensure their children’s education needs are filled.
Former state economic development director and Happy Harry’s CEO Alan Levin and his wife, Ellen, donated $100,000 to help get it started.
“We seeded it so that the fund could get established. My hope is that we can raise anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million,” Levin said.
Children and stepchildren of first responders who die or become fully disabled in the line of duty since last January will be eligible to apply for a scholarship until they are 25-years-old.
Levin says he’s hoping to raise up to another one million dollars to fully establish the fund as the number of children eligible eventually grows.
“Regrettably, this is not a number that will remain stagnant. It will go on in years as these individuals sacrifice for us. I think it’s our obligation to sacrifice for them.”
The Delaware Community Foundation will oversee the fund, with a committee made up of first responders, business leaders and others handling applications.
As of now, there are no restrictions at which schools scholarships may be used.
Anyone interested in donating can visit the Delaware Community Foundation's website.
