Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association (CCEA) Founders Scholarship
The Founders Scholarship has been established to honor three of our verified founding members. Robert (Bud) McKee (deceased) served as Treasurer from the inception of The Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association (CCEA). He along with Helen (Dolly) Brown (deceased) and Ella Luff (still residing in Chesapeake City) were instrumental in taking the ministry works of 2 church choirs (Trinity UMC and St. Rose of Lima), both in Chesapeake City, to a fully registered 501c3 organization now comprised of the 9 major churches of Chesapeake City, covering 7 denominations from a tiny food pantry and emergency funds, usually pulled from the wallets of the choir members. This organization now has 6 active ministries covering everything from emergency funds, food, clothing to children’s programs. It was the dedication of our founders, to serving those needs of the community, which Social Services could not, and their belief that in working together they could provide a wider variety of services, that led to the creation of CCEA. The CCEA originally established the Robert “Bud” McKee Scholarship Fund in his memory and honor. However, in recent years, the Board of Directors and The General Board have elected to expand the scholarship program by honoring the women who also gave so much of their time, their talents and their commitment to improving the world-one person, one hand up at a time.
Impact
The Intended Impact: To provide financial aid to an adult returning to college to further their education and improve their earning ability. While The Board of Directors for the CCEA does not require hands on approval for the award of these scholarships, we believe that in addition to being given to an adult who is returning to college (not directly from high school into college), we would prefer that the recipient also demonstrate his/her desire to improve the lives of those around them, by volunteering in service oriented programs such as serving at a recognized food pantry; serving on mission trips, volunteering at Union Hospital, etc. And lastly, because Bud McKee was such a strong proponent of education, a returning adult who is working towards a degree in education, would especially honor his legacy to this organization.