By Lori Smith
Local organization Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation (EMIF) continues to grow its impact across Northwest Florida, awarding scholarships this year to nine students pursuing higher education and skilled-trade pathways — a reflection of both increasing demand and strong, sustained community support.
Founded in memory of Ellison McCraney Ingram, age 9, who passed away Oct. 19, 2021, from a bleeding brain tumor, the Destin-based nonprofit was created to ensure his life continues to make a difference through education and opportunity.
In the months following his passing, friends rallied around Ellison’s family to transform heartbreak into hope by launching the foundation in his name. Anchored by the enduring compassion and commitment of Ellison’s parents to children and families in Destin, the foundation has steadily grown — from three scholarships in its first year, to five annually — and now supports 13 students as they pursue their educational goals.
That growth has been made possible through long-standing relationships with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), local organizations, and donors who have continued to invest in the foundation’s mission year after year.
EMIF’s scholarships are intentionally comprehensive, helping remove the financial barriers that often stand in the way of long-term success.
Each recipient is eligible to receive up to $40,000, distributed as $10,000 per academic year for up to four years. Scholarships may be used at accredited four-year colleges and universities, trade schools and technical programs, covering tuition, books, fees, and room and board. To remain eligible, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least 12 semester hours per year.
This year’s scholarship recipients include five students supported through EMIF’s ongoing partnership with the DCWAF:
- Ava Bowers, through Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
- Uriel Sanchez, pursuing a trade-school path at Point Washington Medical Center
- Liliana Quinlan, through Boys & Girls Clubs
- Armin Jusis, through Ascension Sacred Heart
- Maima Hampton, through Youth Village
Thanks to overwhelming support, EMIF also expanded its reach this year by awarding four at-large scholarships to William Justiss, Brock Dugan, Isabella Riggs and Karissa Grant.
A significant factor in that expansion was DCWAF’s continued investment, which includes an initial $140,000 contribution followed by $200,000 annually for the past three years — totaling more than $700,000 in support and allowing the foundation to increase the number of students served. In addition, Affordable Home Insurance stepped forward to fund one of the scholarships after its board reached out directly, expressing a desire to support the foundation’s mission.
“Each year, we continue to see more and more support for Ellison and his foundation,” said Paul Barcus, EMIF executive board director, noting the collective generosity that makes the program possible.
Scholarship recipients will be formally recognized during a private awards dinner Feb. 12 at Marina Cafe in Destin. The event is once again being generously hosted by Danny and Karen Bilger, owners of Marina Cafe, who are donating both the venue and the meal. Their ongoing support allows EMIF to direct more resources directly toward scholarships rather than event costs. The dinner has already sold out, with 130 attendees expected.
Through strategic partnerships, dedicated donors, and an expanding network of supporters, the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation continues to honor its namesake by investing in education — not just as an achievement, but as a lasting legacy.
For more information about the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, visit emif.org.
