Applications Being Taken for the Hamar/HRBOR Scholarship

Earlier this year I established The George D. and Marion Phelps Hamar/HRBOR Scholarship in honor of my late parents (pictured at right on their wedding day) - who accepted and supported me when I came out without reservation - and Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR") which I helped found and which has made a significant positive impact on my life as an "out" professional. Applications forms for the scholarship available to graduating LGBT high school students from Hampton Roads - which is being administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation - are now available online here. Applications must be received by March 1, 2012.

Students applying for the scholarship will need to complete a personal statement concerning the experience as an LGBT student in high school and must be willing to be publicly identified with the scholarship should they be selected as the recipient. I sincerely hope that local readers who know students who might qualify will spread the word about the scholarship.

With so many of our LGBT youth still not finding family acceptance, it is my great hope that this scholarship fund will grow to support more students in need of financial assistance while pursuing their college education. For those who have already made donations, I want to sincerely say "thank you." Anyone desiring to make a tax deductible donation to grow the fund can do so in several different ways:

How to donate by check. To contribute to the Hamar/HRBOR Scholarship, you can make your check payable to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, and mail it to 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510. Please indicate that your gift is for the Hamar/HRBOR Scholarship.

How to donate online. If you prefer to make a gift online using a credit card, please go to https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=a9fc33 and click on the Donate Now button at the top of the home page. Complete the online giving form and check the box under additional information that says, “Named Fund.” Check there and fill in Hamar/HRBOR Scholarship under “Name of Fund.” The Foundation accepts online gifts using Visa or MasterCard.