Willie Stargell Foundation awards $10,000 in scholarships to UNCW health students
Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — The Willie Stargell Foundation is awarding $10,000 in scholarship funding to students in the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s College of Health and Human Services.
The foundation is scheduled to present the scholarship gift Friday afternoon at UNCW’s Veterans Hall. The funding will support nursing students with a focus on renal care and kidney disease.
The money was raised through the 2025 Willie Stargell Celebrity Invitational, an annual Wilmington event that raises funds for programs and individuals affected by kidney disease.
“Willie always believed in giving back and strengthening care of kidney disease patients,” Margaret Weller-Stargell, president of the Willie Stargell Foundation, said in a news release. “We’re proud that the money raised through the Celebrity Invitational can help students right here in our community.”
Jack Watson II, dean of UNCW’s College of Health and Human Services, said the scholarships can help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in health and human services.
The Willie Stargell Foundation was established in honor of Baseball Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Pirates player Willie Stargell. The organization supports kidney disease research, patient care and programs assisting people affected by kidney disease.
Since 2001, the foundation has provided grants and other support to organizations, medical centers and transplant programs, according to the organization.
The foundation’s 24th annual Willie Stargell Celebrity Invitational is scheduled for Nov. 6-8 in Wilmington.
