SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) — Evan Smoak — The Abbie DeLoach Foundation continues to turn a tragedy into triumph for those here in the Coastal Empire and around the world.
On Friday, the foundation held its 11th annual scholarship luncheon.
Abbie’s father and foundation CEO Jimmy DeLoach told WSAV that the original scholarship class included eight recipients. On Friday, the foundation awarded its largest class to date by handing out 28 scholarships.
DeLoach added that the foundation has given out over $2.5 million since it began.“I think that the payback to me as a dad is seeing young adult progress and have an opportunity to express what really interests them in their life and their education,” DeLoach said.
Friday’s event was held at the Savannah Golf Club and featured a meal, guest speaker Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Chief Operating Officer Jesse Dillon and trophies for this year’s winners.WSAV got a chance to speak with multiple winners including Qourtney Johnson, a current physician assistant student at Mercer University, the alma mater of Abbie’s sister.
“Whenever they presented the opportunity for us to be able to apply for this scholarship, I thought, ‘Wow, what an honor it would be to have a foundation that would see the sacrifices that we make,’” Johnson said. “PA school is challenging not only academically, mentally, but also financially, so to have a foundation that supports your goals is very encouraging.”
Winners ranged from rising college freshman to existing college students and including multiple student-athletes and nursing and kinesiology majors.
DeLoach said he believes Abbie would be proud of the work they have been able to accomplish.“To see these recipients come through and become pillars in a community, I know Abbie has got to be excited,” he said. “I just believe it.”
https://www.wsav.com/community/abbie-deloach-foundation-awards-largest-scholarship-class
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