An Evening of Heroes & Scholars For Kids’ Sake International Announces 2026 Southern Illinois Scholarship Recipients
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/19/2026
6:00 pm
Location
Longbranch Cafe & Bakery
Categories
Carbondale, IL – For Kids’ Sake International (FKSI) invites Southern Illinoisans to An
Evening of Heroes & Scholars on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:00 pm at the Branch Cafe
& Market in Carbondale, Illinois. The event will feature highlights from the past year,
recognize supporters who go above and beyond, and introduce the 2026 FKSI Southern
Illinois Scholarship recipients.
Six $2,500 scholarships are being awarded to deserving high school seniors in
Southern Illinois who have lost a parent and are pursuing a career in the trades,
technical or vocational fields. Recipients include Presley Choate from Carrier MillsStonefort High School, Seth Duncan from Vienna High School, Lexia Land from
Goreville High School, Londynn Pontioius from Christopher High School, and CJ
Schiefer and Mallory Shewmaker from Carbondale Community High School. After
awards are given, there will be an opportunity to meet the recipients, learn what inspires
them and how they plan to pursue their dreams.
In addition, FKSI will announce their 2025 Business of the Year, Donor of the Year, and
Volunteer of the year. Attendees will also receive the FKSI 2025 Impact Report and
learn about FKSI’s accomplishments and challenges throughout the year.
It’s an evening to connect, reflect, and honor all those at the heart of the FKSI mission.
Please join us for this meaningful evening on May 19th, 6:00 pm at the Branch Café and
Market. Refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, reach out to Shema
Ruperto at 618-529-5044 or at info@forkidssakeintl.org. Scholarship Sponsors Include: Larry Weatherford in honor of his wife Kay Weatherford,
DS Roofing & Custom Builders, Egyptian Contractors Association, Ameren, Chris
Auffenberf of Carbondale, Legence Bank, Meredith Funeral home, Mowell’s Heating
and Cooling, and Kurt E. Harris Law Firm.