Events
ETC Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Scholarship Awards
Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many companies, organizations and community members, the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation is proud to announce that since 2012, we have awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and community programming to more than 175 student scholars. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering students and fostering community development – and we could not have done it without our sponsors’ support.
The impact of the Foundation’s efforts is evident in the heartfelt words of gratitude from students, parents, teachers, and community service leaders. Their appreciation underscores the positive difference the ETC Foundation is making in the lives of our future leaders, who continue to honor the legacy of Edward Taylor Coombs.
Edward’s childhood friend, Jacob Long, of Firstrust Financial Resources, has attended every ETC Foundation Golf Outing and has sponsored the luncheon since its inception. The Foundation’s motto, “Play Fast, Live Slow” always resonated with Jacob, who had the powerful words inscribed on his cleats every year of his lacrosse career at Ithaca College.
Getting involved was a no-brainer for Jacob, who understands the importance of giving back to the community through scholarships for deserving students.
“They’re trying to help kids do what Eddie got to do, which was unfortunately only for one year,” Jacob said of his friend’s untimely death as a rising sophomore at Marist College. “I’m just glad that the legacy is living on and they’re able to help a lot of kids.”
For 2024, the Foundation provided a total of $56,000 in scholarships to 18 deserving students. Always looking to broaden its reach among scholars, the Foundation this year partnered with AIM Academy to provide two scholarships for standout students at the school, which specializes in education for neurodivergent learners.
Like Jacob, the majority of the Foundation’s sponsors have supported the nonprofit organization since the beginning. Commonwealth National Golf Club hosts the annual golf outing and scholarship awards dinner each year.
And, year after year, Irene Waitzman generously continues her role as the golf outing’s top sponsor, without fail.
A long-time entrepreneur and owner of Strategic Connection and Political Connection, Irene met Edward’s mother, Tina, after Edward’s 2011 death. At the time, Irene was grieving the death of her nephew, Michael, who was a year older than Edward. Through her friendship with Tina, and later the Coombs family, Irene came to know the standout lacrosse player with a winning smile.
“I feel like I’ve known him all my life,” she said. “I love the family.”
Irene and her team play at the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation’s golf outing each year.
Dr. Shunda Irons-Brown, the Montgomery County chapter’s president, said the ETC Foundation’s mission aligned perfectly with the mission of the nationwide organization of providing educational opportunities to African American youth. An organization which supports mothers of children ages 2-18, Edward, and his sister, Erin, were involved with the Montgomery County chapter.
Since its founding in 1938, Jack and Jill of America has grown to 260 chapters nationwide. Locally, there are 82 mothers who are members of the Montgomery County chapter. The invitation-only organization strives to engage its members in community service projects, including support for the March of Dimes, food drives on Martin Luther King Day, assistance for a local shelter and a Jack and Jill Foundation that provides various scholarships.
The ETC Foundation extends its deepest thanks to sponsors and contributors for their unwavering support. The ongoing generosity is instrumental in sustaining Foundation programs and ensuring that we can continue to provide opportunities for growth and development within our community and beyond.
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