The Arlington County Civic Federation’s 9/11 Scholarship Program, which has presented more than $300,000 in scholarships to children of Arlington public-safety personnel since 2002, recently received a donation of $10,000 from the Arlington County Police Department’s 9/11 Fund.
“I can’t think of a better place to send this money,” said retired Police Capt. Kevin Reardon, who made the presentation at the Civic Federation’s annual dinner on April 17.
The scholarship program was conceived as a way to give back to first responders at the Pentagon during the 2001 terrorist attacks. It has provided 71 scholarships, but has seen donations decline in recent years. Scholarship funds are administered by the Arlington Community Foundation.
The recent contribution, which represents funds raised by the sale of commemorative pins, will help to revive the scholarship effort, said Jim Pebley, who has spearheaded it.
“This just floors me,” Pebley said of the contribution.
Reardon noted that two of his sons had received support through the scholarship program, and Pebley said it has been having an impact in many ways.
“It’s making a difference in the community,” Pebley said.
