Meadow Ridge Residents Raise Over $250K For Associate Scholarships

Residents of Meadow Ridge have given over $250,000 to associates and their children through this year’s resident-led Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund.

A Tradition of Giving, Two Decades Strong

The initiative started two decades ago when two residents created a long-term scholarship fund to support associates—or their children—in continuing their education. Over the years, residents like Dick Farrell and Bill Balch led the campaigns as Scholarship Committee Chairmen.

The 2025 campaign was spearheaded by resident Ruth Wolsch and culminated in an award ceremony on June 12, where recipients were formally recognized.

A Committee-Led Effort with Lasting Impact

“It has been extremely satisfying to be able to award scholarships to help these recipients continue their education and reach their career goals,” said Ruth Wolsch, chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee. “The Scholarship Committees have been the most rewarding committees I have been involved with since coming to Meadow Ridge.”

Each year, the committee makes an appeal to fellow residents for donations, beginning in the late winter. This year, 47 scholarships were awarded totaling $260,000.

Supporting a Range of Educational Paths

Of the recipients, 35 will be attending a college or university, 10 will attend community college and two will enroll in a trade program. Chosen applicants are reviewed and interviewed by a six-member selection committee—a process that takes nearly five weeks to complete.

Recipients Share What the Scholarship Means to Them

“My connection to Meadow Ridge runs deep. Not only do I work there, but so does my mom. It’s more than just a workplace to me; it’s a community that I am excited to be a part of every day,” said Peyton Rysz, a rising sophomore at The University of New England. “With this scholarship, I plan to help pay for my college tuition. It will allow me to focus more on my education and less on financial stress, bringing me one step closer to achieving my goal of someday becoming a restaurant owner.”

“As someone who has the privilege of working closely with the community, I’ve come to know Meadow Ridge not just as a workplace, but as a second home filled with genuine connection,” said Lily Condosta, a rising sophomore at the University of Rhode Island. “This scholarship is not just financial support, it is a powerful message that the residents believe in my future and for that, I am sincerely thankful.”

More Than Just a Scholarship

The Scholarship Fund is one of two ways residents formally honor associates each year. The other is through the Employee Appreciation Fund, where residents raise money to give a financial gift to every associate at the end of the year.

“Residents are really bowled over by how well the staff takes care of them,” said Bill Balch, who serves on both the Scholarship Fund and the Employee Appreciation Fund Committees. “We want to show appreciation for what [associates] give us in all areas of compassion.”