Bob Dole helped provide higher education to thousands of Americans impacted by 9/11 attack
WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) -- Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole died at the age of 98 years-old, but his impact on the lives of many young people lives on.
Mr. Dole helped give the gift of an education to thousands of people who were devastated by the 911 terrorist attacks.
Within one week of the 911 terrorist attacks – the Families of Freedom Scholarship was created to give the gift of higher education to a generation of kids and spouses who lost a loved one in the attacks.
“The message that was sent to the 911 children is we have your back,” said Rhianna Quinn Roddy, the Executive Director of Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. “And we want you to see you succeed in life.”
It was Mr. Dole who came forward and championed the fundraising efforts for the organization alongside former President Bill Clinton.
“He was a shining example of service above self,” said Roddy. “Because he along with a former political adversary Bill Clinton traveled the country to raise funds and they raised over $100 million for these children of 9/11 who were so devastated by the attacks.”
The Families of Freedom Scholarship has awarded $182 million to nearly four thousand people in financial need.
“With about three thousand left to be served. For many of these families they are first time college attendees,” said Roddy.
One of the people the fund has served is Bridget Fisher - one of seven kids. She was 12 years-old when her dad died.
“I lost my dad – John Roger Fisher in 911,” said Fisher. “Families of Freedom has been there for every one of my siblings throughout our educational journey. And has really given us a gift that so many people dream of. I will never take that for granted.”
The executive director of the organization says the students have learned from Senator Dole’s actions and many of them looked to him as a hero.
“They learned it’s very important in this world to give back,” said Roddy. “They want to give back to our country. They are patriotic. They are determined and they are exceptionally resilient. They are beautiful young Americans who I think are the future of our country.”
