In honor of James L. Crump, who died in a tragic accident at the Anchorage Pride parade on June 25, 2011, Pride Foundation and Identity, Inc. have announced the James Crump Scholarship Fund. The fund, initiated by an anonymous donor, will benefit GLBT and straight ally students planning to pursue a career in nursing, medicine, social work, teaching or another helping profession and who plan to make an impact in the state of Alaska.

Pride Foundation will administer the scholarship.  Pride Foundation and Identity prepared the following announcement:

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James Crump embodied the best in us because he gave so much of himself

On June 25th, James Crump tragically died in an accident during the PrideFest Parade leaving family, friends, and even strangers, bewildered. James’s death leaves a void in our community, because he gave tirelessly of himself, without question, without conditions, and without judgment.

In the weeks since James’s death, the citizens of Anchorage have embraced the true meaning of the word community. On June 28, the Anchorage Assembly honored James with a resolution acknowledging his care of clients with tuberculosis for the Municipality
of Anchorage’s Department of Health and Human Services. Professional counselors have offered free counseling for those affected by James’s death. Local faith-based organizations have provided spiritual guidance. Diverse friends and neighbors, who shared many BBQs and holidays with James, have gathered to pay tribute to a friend sorely missed.

In honor of James, the James Crump Scholarship fund has been initiated by an anonymous donor through Identity Inc. and Pride Foundation. Several years ago, James went back to school in order to become a public health nurse. His life and career are the inspiration for this scholarship. The recipients will be GLBT and straight ally students planning to pursue a career in nursing, medicine, social work, teaching or another helping profession, and who plan to make an impact in Alaska. Pride Foundation, which has a history of providing scholarships in Alaska, will administer this fund.

To give to friends without expecting to receive in return is good; however to give to friends and strangers alike, that is remarkable. Thank you, James.

Donating to the James Crump Scholarship Fund

• Online: To make an online donation, visit https://www.pridefoundation.org/giving/give-online. Please note in the lower comments box that the donation is for the James Crump Scholarship.
• By Mail: Checks can be made payable to Pride Foundation and mailed to Pride Foundation, PO Box 241294, Anchorage, AK 99524. Please write in the notes section of the check: for the James Crump Scholarship.
• By Phone: Contact Tiffany McClain at 907-903-1280

Pride Foundation is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS — donations qualify for tax deductibility.

About Identity: Identity provides programs supporting equality for Alaska’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community and its allies. Identity envisions a world where all people are free to express and be proud of their sexual and gender identities. Learn more at www.identityinc.org or by calling 907-929-4528. Everyone is welcome to visit the Gay and Lesbian Community Center at 336 E. 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK.

About Pride Foundation: Pride Foundation strives for a world where LGBTQ people can lead safe, happy lives. They award scholarships to students, make grants to organizations, develop strong leaders, and bring equality to the work place throughout the Northwest. Learn more at www.pridefoundation.org or call 907-903-1280.

THANK YOU for your support.

You are helping to create an Alaskan future that celebrates diversity and equality. We cannot change the past but we can co-create the future with our dreams, aspirations and support.