After much research, realized there are very few options for college
scholarships for Children of Parents with ALS. We are scraping by
financially at this point and I have an 18 and 16 year old with many
financial needs as many of the rest of us do as well. Decided to exclude
them eligibility-wise and do something for the greater good.
Found
only a handful of small funds around the country with all but one very
local/ regional in nature. Wanted to establish a national fund with
opportunity for kids in all 50 states to be eligible.
As all of
you are aware, ALS hits the families and children and emotionally and
financially devastates them. This will not help all, nor even most of
those children, but will positively impact at least a few in their time
of need. As a good friend of mine likes to say "Children are only about
30% of our population today, but they are 100% of our future."
Therefore,
we have established the Merfeld Family Foundation for College Scholarships for Children of Parents with ALS. The goal is to raise
$250,000 - $500,000 for an endowment to fund at least 4-6 $2500
scholarships each year. First award will be made for the Fall term of
2012, and applications will start in December, 2011. The criteria will
be established and all administration and judging will be done by the
Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). VCCF is a registered 501
Charitable Foundation. This Endowment will be funded until there is a
cure for ALS. When (not if) that happens, the monies will assist
children within the Neuromuscular Disease family going forward.
So
far, and despite these difficult economic times, we have over 150
donors and have raised $180,000 with pledges for $100,000 more. Not sure
we will hit the $500,000 mark but will give it our best shot trying.
98% of the proceeds are going directly to the fund with the other 2% to
cover small administrative costs and establish a website. Hopefully this
can inspire others to either establish like funds or contribute to one
of these that are already established. If you know someone interested in
donating to this cause, no matter how small, please have them visit here. For those of you
that have already donated, thanks again for your support.
We
purposely have removed ourselves from the decision making process regarding
these awards, and defer any questions, comments, applications, etc. to
the VCCF. Would just be too difficult to have to choose from the many
applicants and narrow it down on a personal level. Hope everyone can
understand. Application information should be available by December 1,
2011 here.
