Willie Illingworth was the founder of Willie boats, the original aluminum drift boat company which through the years has morphed into aluminum power boats as well.
When Willie was in Alaska he would stay at the Kenai Riverbend Resort located on the Kenai River. Through his friendship with one of the owners, Don Cho, an idea was formed. Willie donated several drift boats to the Kenai River Professional Guide Association. The proceeds raised from these drift boat donations established the Willie Illingworth / Kenai River Professional Guide Association scholarship fund.
These scholarships are made possible through relationships built upon the Kenai River. In the spirit of these relationships, scholarship recipients are chosen for their connection and dedication to their community and the Kenai Peninsula. Two $750 scholarships are awarded annually to local high school graduates who will continue their education at KPC or local trade schools. 2021 Scholarship applications are due by April 1, 2021 and can be submitted to [email protected] or mailed to KRPGA / PO Box 3674 / Soldotna, AK 99669
