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08/29/2018 09:00 AMAlison Varian served the town of Guilford and the natural environment for a majority of her life and now friends and family are looking to honor and continue her good work. The inaugural Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser is set for Saturday, Sept. 8 to support the scholarship fund that bears her name.
The fundraiser is at the Guilford Fairgrounds from noon to 3 p.m. A $25 donation is requested per person and a ticket includes complementary oysters, clams, and Thimble Island beer. Burgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks will be available as well. The event also includes a raffle and music entertainment by local bands Clamzo’s revenge and Twosday.
Sponsors for the event include Thimble Island Brewery, K&G Graphics, StellaMar Oysters, and CW Shellfish.
The Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund is a part of the Guilford Foundation and was established this past winter.
According to a press release from the Guilford Foundation, “The fund honors the legacy of Alison Varian, who lost a courageous six-year battle with cancer on April 28, 2017. The fund memorializes Alison’s many contributions to aquaculture, boating safety, fishing, fisheries, and the ecology of Long Island Sound. Alison was an avid boater and fisherman who contributed to her community in many ways. Over the years, she diligently served as chair of the Town of Guilford Shellfish and Harbor Management commissions [and] treasurer of the Guilford Marina Commission, [and was a] certified U.S. Coast Guard vessel examiner and commander of the Power Squadron (a non-profit organization dedicated to improving maritime safety and enjoyment through education.)”
The first scholarship was awarded this past June and Gary MacElhiney, one of the fundraiser event organizers, said the hope is to raise money to support and expand the scholarship fund.
“In awarding the first scholarship this year, we had two good candidates, and realized that we would have liked to have been able to afford to award both a scholarship,” he said. “Additionally, we would like to be able to extend the scholarship aid for all four years and both goals require greater funding.”
Varian’s husband, Garth Varian, said supporting this fund is a way to celebrate and honor Alison Varian’s memory and contributions.
“Alison was an amazing fisherman and a highly skilled boater,” he said. “She loved Long Island Sound and dedicated herself to understanding and preserving its ecology, while demonstrating and promoting safe boat handling. This scholarship will help young people who share her passion for all things aquatic.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-fundraiser-for-the-alison-varian-memorial-scholarship-fund-tickets-48227667251. Donations to the fund can be sent to The Guilford Foundation at P.O. Box 35, Guilford, CT 06437 or online at www.guilfordfoundation.org. Be sure to note the gift is for the “Alison Varian Memorial Fund” so that your donation is credited properly. For more information, contact Guilford Foundation Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra at 203-640-4049.