The Donald D. Kelley Memorial Scholarship

Close-up photo of an elderly man with glasses, smiling, wearing a red and black striped shirt, outdoors with green foliage in the background.
A man with two children in front of a stone fountain with water features. The man is standing in the middle, with an older boy on his left and a girl on his right. All are smiling.
A group of smiling people taking a selfie in an outdoor setting with greenery in the background.
A man and two children on a dock with boats and a red houseboat in the background, dressed as pirates with eye patches and bandanas, smiling.

The Donald Kelley Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award presented by the Kelley Family Charitable Foundation, honors the enduring legacy of Donald Kelley. The Kelley Family Charitable Foundation was established to create a brighter future for all, one act of kindness at a time, inspired by the life of Donald Kelley.

The Donald Kelley Memorial Scholarship honors a man who served as the beloved patriarch of the Kelley family. Donnie's life was the very inspiration for the Kelley Family Charitable Foundation's guiding slogan, "kindness is our compass." A loving father and grandfather, he showered his loved ones not only with time and affection but also with an abundance of laughter, creating cherished memories. Kindness truly guided his every action, and he was exceptionally generous with his time for those around him. Donnie had a remarkable ability to brighten any room he entered with his warm presence. Furthermore, he possessed a gift for lending a listening ear and offering sound advice to those in need. An avid and talented crafter, he delighted in gifting his creations to family and friends, and his passion extended to his beautiful garden. His dedication to service extended beyond his family and community; Donnie was a proud Army veteran who rose through the ranks to Military Police, demonstrating his commitment and leadership. This remarkable man once wrote in his journal, "kindness costs so little and its rewards cannot be measured," a sentiment his family strives to live by daily.

 This scholarship seeks to recognize an individual who embodies the spirit of Donnie demonstrating a commitment to kindness and working to create a brighter future for all, one act of kindness at a time. The recipient will be someone who lives their life with kindness as their compass, reflecting the values cherished by the Kelley family.

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