Local Family Honors Their Son’s Memory with Scholarship Fund for CFCC Culinary Art Students

Wilmington, NC – The Brunson Family has come together to create a lasting legacy in memory of their son, Darius Robert Brunson, who lost his battle with leukemia in December of 2022. To celebrate their son’s passion for the culinary arts and give back to the community and school that he loved, the family created the Darius R. Brunson Memorial Scholarship fund.

Through various fundraisers, including a community yard sale, Darius’ family and friends have raised over $10,000 to help aspiring chefs fulfill their dreams. A scholarship of $500 will be awarded to two Cape Fear Community College Culinary Arts students each academic year. Eligible students must be enrolled in one of CFCC’s Culinary Arts programs and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

“Some people enter our lives for a second or a short period, and that’s OK,” said Bernard Brunson. “Then there are those who come into your life for a lifetime, whose legacy will always live on, and that is our Darius. I always taught him to focus on the people that are there for the good, bad, and the ugly, the ones that are always there for you. We started the Darius R. Brunson Memorial Scholarship to continue our son’s legacy and be there for students pursuing his passion of cooking.”

“The Cape Fear Community College Foundation is grateful for the generosity of the Brunson Family,” said Logan Thompson, Executive Director, CFCC Foundation. “Their decision to establish a scholarship fund for Culinary Arts students will aid in breaking down barriers for their students in their pursuit of culinary excellence, something that was deeply important to their son. This scholarship will ensure that his memory lives in the kitchens and hearts of those who share his love for food.”