97-students of first responders receive college scholarships in Monmouth County

A Monmouth County non-profit who provides financial aid and comfort to families of first responders killed or disabled in the line of duty grants college scholarships annually to their children.

This year the 200 Club of Monmouth County awarded $109,000.00 worth of scholarships to 97-eligible students.

President of the 501(c)(3) non-profit, and former Lt. Governor of New Jersey, Kim Guadagno says it's part of the 200-Clubs mission to show these families how much they appreciate the sacrifices that they make.

"It's not just about what happens on the worst of all days when an officer is down...how about Christmas and holidays and emergencies where they (law enforcement officer/first responder) literally get up from the dinner table and leave," Guadagno said. "The families suffer as well."

Dating back to 1987, they've provided over two-million dollars in scholarship aid.

"These scholarships can go to children of fallen officers or presently serving officers/first-responders...troopers, first-aid, police officers, and it fills that little gap. Sometimes it pays for books and fees," Guadagno said.

For many of the recipients, this is something they very much need.

"I talked to a couple of scholarship recipients who said that if not for these scholarships, their family would be stretched because they don't have the money sometimes to pay for books and fees and some of the things that don't get covered by other scholarships or grants," Guadagno said.

One of the recipients is 20-year-old Ryan DeSane, a junior studying finance at the University of South Carolina.

“It’s an honor to receive this scholarship because of my father’s dedication to his work and this community as a police officer," DeSane said.

You can help out as well by donating to help raise money for these scholarships or by attending one of their events.

To learn more about The 200-Club of Monmouth County, join or donate visit them on Facebook or on their website.

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