#United States #Scholarships #Walnut Creek #Heffernan Foundation #Garee Lee Smith

Heffernan Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Philanthropic Efforts

In a remarkable celebration of commitment to education and community support, the Heffernan Foundation recently marked its 20th anniversary. This initiative, which serves as the charitable arm of Heffernan Insurance Brokers, is dedicated to promoting access to quality education through various scholarships. As part of their anniversary, the foundation proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 Garee Lee Smith Scholarship Program, a significant milestone that reinforces their ongoing commitment to educational philanthropy.

The Garee Lee Smith Scholarship Program was established in honor of Garee Lee Smith, an influential figure within Heffernan who represented the company’s core values of generosity and service. Since its inception, the fund has allocated over $865,000 in scholarships to students who exhibit dedication to their academic pursuits, engage actively in their communities, and demonstrate exceptional personal resilience. What started as five annual scholarships of $5,000 has escalated into a total of 12 scholarships worth $10,000 each this year, further emphasizing the foundation's goal of expanding its impact with each passing year.

Michelle Lonaker-Lavine, the Executive Director of the Heffernan Foundation, expresses her pride in the foundation's accomplishments and its role in changing lives. 'We are deeply honored to continue Garee's legacy in such a meaningful way,' she said. 'This year's applicants have truly inspired us with their passion and commitment to support their communities. Selecting just 12 from such a talented pool was a tough challenge for our committee.'

Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients

This year’s list of recipients showcases a diverse and talented group of individuals:

• - Bella Castaneda
• - Brandi Waschau
• - Colleen Owsley
• - Eliza Goodwin
• - Emily Hammond
• - Gwendolyn Francis
• - Izabell Mosley
• - Jaeya Bayani
• - Kellie Guggiana
• - Mary Martyn
• - Roselyn Delgado-Canales
• - Sophia Culver

These students have demonstrated extraordinary determination and a commitment to their communities, making their achievements all the more noteworthy.

Furthermore, Heffernan Foundation's goals extend beyond scholarship distribution. Their mission encompasses changing futures through access to education, combating homelessness, and addressing food deficiencies through collaborative nonprofit efforts. They aspire to foster community engagement not only among their scholarship recipients but also within the broader community that they serve.

According to recent statistics, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, which was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, has become one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in the country. They have also been recognized as a top corporate philanthropist since 2003, highlighting their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

For those interested in learning more about the initiatives and impact of the Heffernan Foundation, further information is available at their official website. People can also connect with the foundation directly by calling 925.295.2575. The Heffernan Foundation holds a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of 71-1010693.

As the Heffernan Foundation looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students through education, ensuring that it continues making a positive impact for years to come.