Blanket raffle to benefit Taylor scholarship

Local law enforcement and Veterans from Foreign Wars Post No. 1165 representatives display one of two blankets which will be raffled off to raise money for a scholarship which was created in the memory of John Taylor, during a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.
(Michael Pommier/Tribune)

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Two fleece blankets will be raffled off on Veteran's Day to raise money for a scholarship at Fort Scott Community College which was set up by Kelly Garrison in honor of Taylor who served as a mentor to many people in the community.

"John made a real impact on me," Garrison said. "He was a good friend, I looked at him as a mentor."

Garrison's relationship with Taylor grew when Taylor would visit 5 Corners Mini Mart. During a time when Garrison was struggling to maintain work and family on top of school, Taylor was there to support him to complete his education.

"There were times I wanted to give up and he wouldn't let me," Garrison said.

Following Taylor's death at the age of 53 last December after a lengthy battle with cancer, Garrison contacted FSCC to set up a scholarship in Taylor's memory. The scholarship will be available to Bourbon County residents with a 2.0 grade point average and are wanting to study criminal justice.

Garrison has been contributing $300 each semester but needs to contribute $10,000 to sustain the scholarship. He said the goal is to raise $1,100 toward the scholarship through the raffle.

Tickets for the raffle are $1 each or $5 for six tickets. The are available at the V.F.W., 1745 S. National Ave., and will soon be available at 5 Corners Mini Mart, 1122 S. Clark St. Garrison said tickets will also be available for purchase at the Ropin' & Rockin' for Pennies for the Park event on Saturday at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The blankets will be raffled off separately during the V.F.W.'s chicken and noodle dinner from 5-7 p.m., Nov. 11 at the V.F.W. Post 1165.