Robert Manwill was eight years old when he was killed in July 2009, and in the years since, his teachers, classmates, and community established the Robert Manwill Scholarship Fund to honor his memory, providing scholarship awards to students from his graduating class, including five students in 2019 on the tenth anniversary of his death.
The Auction & Run
Starting in 2015, the community sustained the fund through an annual spring event pairing an art auction — the Robert Manwill “Artist for Kids” auction — with a memorial run. Local artists, businesses, and community members donated items and time each year to keep Robert’s memory alive while raising scholarship funds.
2018 marked the final year of the art auction. Afterward, the event continued as an annual run and BBQ held in Robert’s memory, carrying the tradition forward in a new form.
His Legacy
Robert’s story moved the Western Treasure Valley. The scholarship that bears his name is a reminder that communities can respond to tragedy with purpose — and that every child’s life has meaning.
Four Rivers Healthy Community is honored to have partnered with the community to steward this fund.
This is a historical page. The Robert Manwill Scholarship Fund has concluded. For a full record of 4RHC’s past initiatives, visit our Historical Projects page.