Scholarship Foundation

IIAWC Scholarship info

IIAWC Westchester County Volunteer Firefighters Scholarship Foundation Inc.

Please help us attain our goal by making your donation today.

Everyday, volunteer firefighters risk their lives protecting our property and our lives.

On March 3, 2006, Battalion Chief Bob Schnibbe passed away at an early age from a heart attack while at the scene of a house fire he was battling as a volunteer firefighter. Bob was an Independent Insurance Agent who combined his passion for our industry with his love for the Volunteers Firefighters of Westchester and the surrounding areas.

The Westchester Independent Agents and the Westchester County Firefighters Association partnered in 2006 and established the IIAWC Westchester County Volunteer Firefighters Scholarship Foundation, Inc. to award scholarships in memory of Chief Robert Schnibbe.

With a grant from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, we were able to establish a 501c3 known as the Westchester Independent Insurance Agents Firefighters Scholarship Fund. Being a non-profit allows us to apply for matching grants and do more effective fundraising.

Since then, two scholarships have been awarded to a son and daughter of a Westchester County volunteer firefighter each year. These children’s parents, like Bob, volunteer their time and often risk their lives for the benefit of all of us in our communities. They don’t get paid for this, rather they do it out of their sense of duty and honor. Bob was a perfect example of a community volunteer.

To maintain our scholarship and reach our goal of increasing the amount awarded, we need your help. Please make your most generous contribution to the IIAWC Westchester County Volunteer Firefighters Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

In addition to financial contributions, you can help by:

  • Meeting with your local fire departments and reminding them of our scholarship.
  • Finding out about your local community events and asking to have a table where you can distribute literature about the scholarship.
  • Speaking at town hall, chamber of commerce, networking and other social events.
  • Offering to sponsor your local volunteer fire department in their community events and have a scholarship table.

With the support and commitment of our members, we can be proud of our scholarship.

Regards,
Adam Antoinette
President, Big I Westchester