Support Available for Those with Family Ties to International Organization
WATERTOWN — Students with family ties to the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority should apply by Saturday, June 1, for the Northern New York Community Foundation Russell I. Wilcox Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Scholarship.
Current full-time Thousand Islands Bridge Authority employees, retirees, and their children and grandchildren are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which is open to U.S. and Canadian residents who can articulate a family tie to the Bridge Authority.
The scholarship is a $1,000 award presented annually to two students pursuing any accredited post-secondary educational program, including a two- or four-year college, technical, trade, or vocational school.
“We are very grateful for all Mr. Wilcox has done to provide this unique opportunity to those who are part of the Bridge Authority family,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We hope all who are eligible will apply so we can best fulfill the donor’s desire to extend his interest in those affiliated in this way,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.
Mr. Wilcox, a longtime leader of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, established the permanent scholarship at the Northern New York Community Foundation in 2022 as an extension of his life’s work, service on behalf of the Bridge Authority, and in honor of his relationship with Bridge Authority board members and employees.
Students should complete their applications through the Community Foundation’s online scholarship portal at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships. Contact Mary Perrine, coordinator of partnerships, 315-782-7110, or maryp@nnycf.org, with questions about this and other Community Foundation scholarships.
About the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority is a New York State public benefit corporation. It owns and operates the Thousand Islands International Bridge System near Alexandria Bay, and Ivy Lea, Ontario, Canada, covering 8.5 miles and providing a direct connection to U.S. Interstate 81 and Canada’s Highway 401.
An international board of directors leads the Authority, which also owns and operates the regional tourist attraction Boldt Castle. Since 1977, more than $20 million in capital improvements have been made to the castle property through Authority revenues without state and federal funds. Annual visits to the Boldt Castle exceed 240,000.
The Authority employs 62 full-time staff, of which 43 are U.S. citizens and 19 are Canadian citizens. The Authority averages 60 additional temporary and seasonal staff annually to support seasonal operations and maintenance.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.