Benefit seeks to endow arts scholarship in memory of Brandon Bruski

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2016 at 7:49 am

ALBION – For nine years Bonnie Velez has been awarding a $250 fine arts scholarship to a graduating senior. Velez started the scholarship as a memorial to her son, Brandon Bruski, who was 18 when he was killed in a car accident.

Brandon Bruski is pictured in his senior picture in 2006.

Brandon Bruski in his senior picture in 2006.

Brandon graduated from Albion in 2006. He was a hard worker with a creative side. He enjoyed art. He had just finished his first year at Monroe Community College, when he fell asleep while driving and was in a fatal crash. He was also working with his mother at the Bonduelle vegetable packing facility in Brockport.

“He was a good kid,” Velez said. “It’s been horrible losing him.”

Velez has collected bottles, including many left at her East Park Street home as donations, to help pay for the annual award.

Velez decides the recipient of the scholarship. She reviews student’s portfolios, their collections of photography and paintings. She also looks over their report cards and wants to know college plans.

Rick Ebbs was Brandon’s Little League coach when he played for the American League team. Brandon was a hard-working player and a great teammate, Ebbs said.

He has become friends with Brandon’s family and Ebbs suggested a spaghetti dinner would raise money for the Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship. That idea has turned into a Sept. 24 event at the St. Mary’s Athletic Club on 538 Moore St., where Ebbs is a member.

The 3 to 7 p.m. dinner includes a basket raffle and 50/50 raffles. The goal is to raise $5,000 so the scholarship can be endowed with $250 given away every year.

“It will mean a lot the family to keep it going forever,” Ebbs said. “It can be done.”

Velez said she appreciates Ebbs and several other people stepping forward to help with the event.

Dinners are available at the door the day of the event or presale by calling Velez at 589-4688, Ebbs at 507-9171, Pam Taylor at 331-0863, Linda Lewis at 261-2191 or Debbie O’Mara at 590-6104.

Return to top