Children’s charities offer so much to the community, especially to children who are at-risk, or who are from families experiencing financial hardship. However once these children reach the age of 18, they often age-out and are left with financial burdens that put them in the same shoes that they started out in - this crisis is where the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation (EMIF) comes in.
“Most children’s charities service kids but once they are 18, they can’t help them anymore, that’s where we come in,” said Paul Barcus, Executive Director for the EMIF. “If you are a child who has benefitted from one of the charities supported by the Destin Charity Wine Foundation you are eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation.”
A group of close friends were inspired to create the foundation when long-time children’s charity supporters Doug and Merrisa Ingram suddenly lost their youngest son Ellison to a brain tumor in 2021. Paul and several friends named the new foundation after Ellison and dedicate their time and efforts to support children’s educational dreams on behalf of the Ingram family.
“Doug and Merrisa commit untold hours to charities in the area and this is our way of giving back not only to Doug and Marissa, but to the students,” Paul said.
Since launching in 2021, EMIF awards up to 5 scholarships per year to students seeking secondary education either in a technical college or university. The scholarships cover up to $10,000 per year for four years per recipient. Along with that, Ellison also has four wells named after him in Africa to help children with access to fresh water. EMIF plans to continue both these causes.
“The most important thing that we want the community to know is that we are here as part of the community, trying to do what we can to help college students in need continue in their educational dreams,” Paul said.
“Most children’s charities service kids, but once they are 18, they can’t help them anymore.”