Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Announces Creation of Rob Fuller Scholarship Fund Nonprofit
Dec. 9—At its monthly forum at O'Blarney's in Centralia on Thursday, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce announced it was creating a nonprofit organization for the Rob Fuller Scholarship Fund.
The chamber gives $8,000 to $10,000 in scholarships every year at the Rob Fuller Scholarship Luncheon honoring the top 25 graduating high school seniors from Chehalis and Centralia. The scholarship fund was developed to encourage and promote educational opportunities for children of Chamber members and businesses.
The scholarship was renamed in 2011 in honor of Rob Fuller, a long-time Lewis County resident, city councilor and the president of Fuller's, Inc., who passed away that same year. Fuller's legacy of philanthropy and commitment to excellence and passion for community lives on through the fund, according to the chamber.
Scholarships from the fund are made possible through contributions from local chamber members and other members of the community.
By creating the nonprofit Rob Fuller Scholarship Fund, contributions are now tax-deductible and there will be a board of directors to oversee the activities of the fund.
The nonprofit is expected to be able to begin taking donations in January, after the board has its first meeting and establishes a bank account.
"We are so thrilled to see this fund moving forward in a positive direction," said Lindy Waring, the chamber's 2022 board president. "The Rob Fuller Scholarships are a cherished program of the chamber and we feel this change ensures long-lasting oversight and growth of the scholarship awards."
