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Foundations & Scholarships

First Option Bank is proud to serve as Trustee for several charitable foundations that have specific guidelines and each with a unique application process. For further information about these or other Trusteed Foundations, please contact Keri Peterson in our Financial Services division at 913-294-9222 or email [email protected].

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John DeVore Charitable Trust

John Devore Charitable Trust was established after his death in 2011. These funds will be specifically used to provide charitable aid through cash grants to assist veterans living in Miami County, Kansas, with expenses relating to shelter, utilities, health, education and job assistance needs. An Advisory Group assists in reviewing applications and making recommendations on how to best provide help to veterans within the county.

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Rail Heritage Trust

John Emery, a native of Chicago and ardent rail traveler and enthusiast, created this Trust upon his passing in 2012. John had traveled the rail in over 125 countries, wanted to help educate the public and help recreate and preserve the rail passenger travel experience that he loved. Funds are to be used to restore or rebuild ancillary facilities essential to the operation of a working passenger operation. A three-person Advisory Committee review the applications and make recommendations to the Trustee. For more information about the Rail Heritage Trust or to download an application form, please go to the Emery Rail Heritage Trust website.

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Rutlader Charitable Foundation Trust

James Rutlader created this foundation for the purpose of maintaining, protecting and preserving the Rutlader Family Cemetery and surrounding acreage. Any net income not used for the upkeep of the cemetery is distributed to The World Jewish Congress and B’nai Brith in memory of the Grantor’s mother, Sarah Rutlader and the Grantor’s brother, Joseph Rutlader.


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Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation

This Foundation was established after Allen Hawkins, who preferred to be called by his nickname, Web, was deceased on April 8, 2016. Web was predeceased by his wife, Gladys, in 2009. Mr. & Mrs. Hawkins were at one time owners of the Osawatomie newspaper, The Graphic, and had additional newspaper holdings. Web and Gladys took a deep interest in local civic activities and community betterment projects. They were major contributors in the establishment of a family fitness center and indoor swimming pool. Grants for this Foundation will be used exclusively for the benefit of the community of Osawatomie. Individual Trustees from Osawatomie will review all applications and will determine where funds will be distributed within the city limits of Osawatomie.

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McFadden Scholarship

The William Preston and Belvah McFadden Scholarship fund was created in 1989 under the will of Jack E. McFadden. It was Mr. McFadden’s wish that this fund, named in memory of his parents, provide two-year scholarships for selected students graduating from the high schools of Allen County and the children of Allen County residents. Recipients must attend a four-year college or university of the State of Kansas Board of Regents system. Guidelines and application forms may be obtained from high school counselors in Allen County, Kansas.


Brand-Wagner Scholarship

This scholarship trust was established by the late Lorraine Wagner. She was a 1936 Parker High School Graduate and her husband, Ira, was a graduate of Osawatomie High School. Lorraine attended Pittsburg State University after high school. She was only able to attend two years of college because of depletion of funds due to the great depression. While only attending college a short while, the two years there opened her eyes to the benefits of higher education. Both Ira and Lorraine gave to many causes during their life, with their greatest joy coming from helping people. Guidelines and applications are available from the Prairie View and Osawatomie High School Counselors.


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Hornberger Foundation  Scholarship

Hilda Hornberger, a longtime resident of Paola, KS wanted to start a Scholarship for those pursuing a degree in a nursing related field. It was from her own experience that she decided to support individuals who have a change in career later in life or had their education or career interrupted by family or other issues at some prior time. This Trust provides scholarships and financial support for educational related costs for individuals residing in Paola, Kansas or elsewhere in Miami County and graduated from High School in Paola, Kansas or elsewhere in Miami County who choose to pursue education in nursing related occupations.  Scholarships can only be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses at educational institutions.

Hornberger Foundation Scholarship Guidelines & Application

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