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NERSA scholarship fund awards record $147,700 to 21 students

Image courtesy of the New England Refreshment Services Association

July 21, 2026

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The Allan Z. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded a record $147,700 in financial assistance to 21 students whose parents work for operator and supplier members of the New England Refreshment Services Association, according to a press release. An independent committee of professional educators selected the recipients.

Victoria Rak, sponsored by Canteen Norwood, received the Allan Z. Gilbert Award, while Matthew Daly, sponsored by Polar Beverages, received the Stephen Foley Jr. Memorial Award. Gilbert helped establish the fund, served as its first chairman and became its leading benefactor. The second award honors Stephen Foley Jr., the son of current fund Chairman Stephen Foley.

Since its founding in 1988, the tax-exempt public charity has distributed $1,266,550 in scholarship assistance. The program is funded through voluntary contributions from NERSA member companies and investment earnings from its endowment.