1999
The giving begins
The scholarship effort begins supporting students and building a tradition of educational opportunity.
Our story
A legacy of service,
carried forward.
For more than two decades, a Norfolk community has come together to help deserving students move toward higher education.
Sister Shirley Ruffin Carr
The woman behind the name
Faithful in life.
Generous in legacy.
Sister Shirley Ruffin Carr joined Second Calvary Baptist Church on January 1, 1936. For 70 years, she served as a faithful member, including 23 years as Church Clerk, and became the church's first Administrative Assistant.
When she passed on January 9, 2006, Sister Carr continued her life of service by bequeathing her entire estate to Second Calvary Baptist Church. The foundation that bears her name carries her spirit of generosity into every scholarship awarded.
How the work grew
2017
The foundation is formalized
The work becomes an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, creating a lasting structure for its mission.
Today
The legacy expands
Four annual scholarships help more students define their futures through education.
A vision for what education can unlock.
Pastor Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns envisioned an organization capable of raising transformative support to offset the burden of student debt.
That vision rests on a simple belief: every student should have the opportunity to embrace their abilities, define their future through education, and positively influence the world.
Stewards of the mission
Board of directors
GG
Reverend Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns
Visionary leader
AK
Anthony Knight
Chairman
VB
Vanessa Maxwell-Brooks
Founding president
PB
Phillip Brooks
Board member
DM
Denitra Morris
Board member
DM
Denize Mills-Daniel
Board member
DD
Donald Dawson
Board member
PK
Phyllis Knight
Board member
LP
Leonard E. Parson
Board member
ST
Stephen C. Teague
Board member