Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund

In loving memory of our “Smiley Riley”

The fund was created to honor Riley and her genuine true & kind nature along with her dedication to learning and growth. From the generosity of family, friends and our community we were inspired to perpetuate her legacy with the establishment of the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund.

Kind, creative, intelligent, hardworking and generous — that’s Riley.

Riley was a true empath who had the ability to make those around her feel seen and heard. Her smile instantaneously made you feel at ease. Although Riley was taken from us, she lives on through all of us in that we believe, as she believed, kindness matters. There is no better way to honor Riley and what we believe she would want and that is to help other kids just like her in realizing their dreams and potential. The Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund awards scholarships and art grants to High School Seniors who carry the same qualities as Riley.

Meet the 2023 Riley I Whitelaw Memorial

Scholarship and Grant Recipients

  • Jordan Swain

    Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Scholarship Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

  • Kaitlyn Vigil

    Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Scholarship Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

  • Anna Shelton

    Riley I Whitelaw Art Grant Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

  • Caleb Worrath

    Riley I Whitelaw Art Grant Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

  • Lily Rottenborn

    Riley I Whitelaw Art Grant Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

  • Catherine Quinn Harrand

    Riley I Whitelaw Art Grant Recipient

    Class of 2023, Air Academy High School

How can you help propel Riley forward?

We accept direct donations by mail or through our website, you may also purchase products found in our online store. All proceeds from the sale of products go directly into the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund and in turn given to scholarship or grant recipients who show the same qualities as Riley (kind, creative, intelligent, hardworking and giving of her time).

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kindness matters

kindness matters

We are honored to partner with Salon Rae, Hunter’s Hope Soaps and Centennial Reproductions in Colorado Springs to make SunRi’s Spirit candles and soaps and notecards of Riley’s artwork that she created throughout her short but rich life. All proceeds benefit the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund.