Scholarships Live On Through Gulf Coast

Something exciting is happening in the city of Venice. The Hospital Volunteers of Venice are making a difference through their scholarship fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation which will carry on in perpetuity for individuals now and in the future.  

In September 2022, the public learned that SharePoint Health Venice Hospital had closed its doors. The 312-bed private hospital opened its doors on December 3, 1951 as South Sarasota Memorial Hospital. It was renamed Venice Memorial Hospital in February of 1952. The current 67-year-old facility opened its doors in 1955.

Hospital Volunteers of Venice’s health-related scholarship program was established originally in 1983 for employees of the existing Bon Secours Hospital. Their scholarship program was an exciting highlight for the organization.

After the hospital was sold to Health Management Associates, a for-profit facility, the scholarship program was expanded to include all students in the service area who met the requirements and were in medically related studies. In 2016, the group also created a separate scholarship in partnership with the State College of Florida (SCF) Foundation in the amount of $5,000 annually for the top nursing student in the SCF program. In all a total of approximately $1,170,000 has been awarded under the combined scholarship programs. Most scholarships amounted to $1,000 per semester and could be considered for renewal with submission of a renewal application.

When SharePoint Health Venice Hospital closed, there was no longer a need for the hospital volunteers. They had their own 501(c)3 and their own scholarship program which had already been established. They decided to dissolve their 501(c)3 and bring their funds to Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s scholarship program. Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible Director, Betsy Steiner, helped them with the transition and Gulf Coast’s Philanthropic Administrator, Kristin Taylor, helped the group set up their new scholarship fund. The scholarship fund at Gulf Coast is called: Hospital Volunteers of Venice Scholarship Fund.

“We are honored that the Hospital Volunteers of Venice chose to transition their scholarship fund to Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” said Kristin Taylor, Philanthropic Administrator for Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Now, we can carry on this legacy forever and continue to help those seeking scholarship support,” shared Taylor.

We sat down with former Scholarship Chairman and Finance Committee Chairman Dick Fenstermaker to learn more.

Q: How has this scholarship fund impacted local students?

Fenstermaker: “Our territory for scholarships was from Osprey to Boca Grande. We had students apply from Englewood and North Port. We also gave scholarships for employees of the hospital, but they had to live in our service area and have a 3.0 GPA in prior scholastic activity. Most recipients came from Venice. Our scholarship was sometimes the only scholarship some people received. A lot of people received scholarships all throughout their scholastic career.”

Q: How does bringing the scholarship fund to Gulf Coast amplify and benefit this impact?

Fenstermaker: “We couldn’t run a scholarship program on our own. We had a good system set up. Once COVID hit, we went digital with everything. Gulf Coast Community Foundation is our vehicle for keeping this alive.”

“For our board members and volunteers, the scholarship program is the one that’s garnered the most support of anything we’ve ever done. Everyone wanted to be a part of the scholarship committee. It makes you feel really good to give to something and let it help people. Some of our scholarships were given to those later in life going back to school or who didn’t have the funds to go to school. It’s very satisfying,” said Dick.

By transferring their scholarship program to Gulf Coast, the wishes of the volunteer group can now be carried on forever. This is something that is truly treasured by all.