Established in 2022
Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund
Through the immediate processing of Riley’s horrific death our family sought an outlet of positivity in the face of her huge loss. We were compelled to create a light in Riley’s honor that might help other students like Riley achieve their potential by offering academic scholarships and art/other grants. We’ve been intentional to ensure we keep her interests in mind and to honor Riley and her genuine true & kind nature along with her dedication to learning and growth. From the generosity of family, friends and the community, we were inspired to perpetuate her legacy with our establishment of the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund.
It is our hope to be able to continue Riley’s legacy of kindness long past our lifetime and ensure we help other students by lessening their financial burdens of college or other vocations that help them thrive into adulthood.
With what started as a grassroots “gofundme” we formally established the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund 501(c)3. We received our Letter of Determination from the IRS in December of 2022.
Kind like Riley
Riley was/is (because writing in past tense seems so hard) a true empath and everyone that knows her would tell you so. We don't just say it because she’s our daughter, granddaughter, cousin or friend. She just is. Riley’s emotional intelligence is beyond her years. She was a straight A student, worked part-time, volunteered at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and was active in colorguard and winterguard at her high school. In fact, she was going to be named co-captain for her color/winterguard team for her senior year until her life was taken. In school, Riley was known by her peers and teachers to be a "light,” always smiling (“Smiley Riley”) and a quiet, confident leader.
Apply for a scholarship
The first two scholarships and four grants from Riley's fund were awarded in May 2023 to graduating seniors in Riley's class.
It is our hope for the class of 2024 to offer scholarships and grants to Air Academy High School Seniors, and additionally one district-wide scholarship within Academy District 20. Follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates!
Our long-term goals are to include additional scholarships city-wide (in time) and that this Memorial Fund will be around long past our lifetime in honor of Riley. We want Riley to live on in many ways and our motto has become: "Kindness Matters” as she is one of the kindest humans many have ever known and it is a tragedy that she is not here to continue carrying kindness forward so therefore we must do that for her.