IVOR—Nearly $1,000 was raised from the inaugural 3K walk in Ivor to benefit the Joseph Ruffin Memorial Scholarship.

In spite of some rainy weather on Oct. 19, about 30 people came to the Ivor Municipal Building for the recent activity, which impressed Lynette Ruffin-Goode of Richmond.

“I was just so blown away,” said Goode, formerly of Ivor.

Through her company, DEON Intervention Inc., she started the fundraiser. Goode said it’s a way to help Southampton High School seniors who plan to increase their learning after graduation. But the scholarship also has a more personal meaning to her.

“This was set up in memory of my father,” said Goode, a 1982 SHC graduate. “Dad was the smartest man I know.”

In addition to DEON’s backing, major sponsorship also came from the Ivor Furniture Company, Felts Hams, the Virginia Diner and The Richmond International Raceway.

To continue raising money for the scholarship, plans have been made to hold future walks on the second Saturday in October and the third weekend in March. Goode said she’ll make the presentation in June.

The scholarship is open to college-bound seniors, including those going to either a two-year or technical school.

So far, one or two people are already potential candidates, said Goode, who added she’ll meet later with a guidance counselor to find out who else meets the criteria.

Qualifying seniors may go to the school guidance office to pick up applications or visit www.deonintervention.org.

For more information, call Gwen Johnson 859-6795 or Lois Lane Parson 758-4680.

Donations can be made to DEON Intervention at P.O. Box 304 Ivor, Va. 23866 or go to the website.