Articles

Shopping for a scholarship

Category: Youth Published on Wednesday, 09 June 2010 09:46 Written by Courier Newsroom

The Quaker State Funeral Directors Association of Western Pennsylvania hosted a shopping spree for the winner of their raffle, which raised funds for the Floyd C. Coles Sr. Scholarship Fund at the Giant Eagle on Frankstown Road in East Hills.

“The shopping spree was excellent. It was my very first one and it was fun,” Funeral Director and Association President Michael J. Aldrich, of Aldrich Funeral Home said. “Debbie Hickman (owner of the Giant Eagle) was an excellent host.” He also extended his thanks to the six other funeral homes that participated.

The shopping spree winner, Catchet Criswell, was given three minutes to shop and spend up to $1,000. She won by purchasing a ticket that matched the selected day’s daily lottery number. The scholarship is named after the late Coles, a retired Allegheny County chief deputy coroner and funeral director who died in March.

“I’ve known Floyd since I started in 1968. He was a good and very hard working in the funeral industry. He was truly a joy to work with,” says Aldrich.

Aldrich says that the association plans to continue the scholarship and hopes to give out two $500 scholarships. He added that although it would be nice to give it to eligible mortuary school students, if not they will give it to other eligible students.