Rosalie and Richard Averill Scholarship Fund

Rosalie and Richard Averill have long considered establishing a charitable fund to support their beloved Valley community. Having attended several Valley Community Foundation (VCF) annual meetings and receiving VCF's correspondences since 2012, they were familiar with VCF's role in strengthening local philanthropy. However, it was a Griffin Hospital Corporators event that solidified their decision to act.

"When Stone Academy closed suddenly in 2023, students had their education interrupted, leaving them with an uncertain future," Rosalie said. "We were very impressed that the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers stepped in and provided a new home for former Stone Academy students and other interested students. That dedication to education and community service resonated deeply with us."

The couple were determined to make a difference, so they had decided to support the Valley and its next generation of healthcare professionals and establish the Rosalie and Richard Averill Scholarship Fund. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, with priority given to students from Valley towns, who might otherwise not be able to afford a healthcare education.

"The fund will help students starting a career in healthcare," Rosalie said. "With an aging population, the need for well-trained healthcare professionals is increasing. We wanted to support those willing to step up and serve the community."

Richard and Rosalie’s decision to create a VCF fund was purposeful.

"We are both Valley born and raised and establishing the scholarship here ensures that local students have the opportunity to succeed,” Richard said. "We wanted to create something that would provide ongoing, long-term support for future healthcare professionals.”

The Averills hope that the students who receive assistance from this scholarship will remain in the Valley, giving back to the community by providing essential healthcare services.

"Deep gratitude for those who helped us in our early years drives us to set an example for future generations," Rosalie said. “For anyone considering starting a fund, pick an objective for the fund that you feel passionate about. Do your research to understand how a fund can meet your personal goals and make an impact on someone’s life.”