Established in 2007 as a fund of The Dunkirk Foundation, after the passing of Betty L. Gaunt, in memory of her daughters Marilee Gaunt and Gayle Gaunt who were tragically killed in July 1966. The fund is to provide scholarships to individuals seeking educational and vocational training at a post-secondary institution.  The recipients shall be residents of Dunkirk or reside within two miles of the corporate boundary of Dunkirk.  The fund was transferred to The Portland Foundation in 2023 when The Dunkirk Foundation merged with The Portland Foundation.