The Scott Morgan Design Scholarship raised nearly $25K on October 20th during market week at an event celebrating the life of industry veteran Scott Morgan who died in India in September. The fundraising memorial, held at the High Point home Scott shared with longtime life partner Katy Allgeyer, was co-hosted by his sister Lindy Barnett of Bello Design and attended by 100 friends and furniture industry leaders. The largest single donation was $5K. All individual and corporate donations raised that evening were generously matched by Scott’s father Jerry Morgan, retired co-owner of Ello Furniture.

Scott Morgan began a life long career in the furniture business with Ello in 1974. He was deeply involved in product development and marketing strategy and was well respected for his creative talents that focused in the area of contemporary furniture design. In nearly 40 years in the furniture business he developed strong bonds with designers and manufacturers throughout the world and counseled many as he helped to match the creative ideas of designers with the realities of the manufacturing sector of the industry.

Efforts to establish the Scott Morgan Design Scholarship as the first design scholarship of its kind in the industry have been spearheaded by Scott’s friends; Bill DeGolia, designers Bruce Hirschhaut, Louis A. Lara, John Strauss, as well as Gary Pettitt owner of Seasonal Living who organized the event. Unlike other scholarships, this one is intended to be an important mentoring resource for upcoming design students, pairing them with experienced designers who will directly mentor them within the furniture industry. This hands-on approach is unique to the Scott Morgan Design Scholarship and its awards will be given annually. A Board of Directors has yet to be named but the non-profit org is excited that the Scholarship’s first round of awards will include a one-month internship in Italy with a prominent design firm.

The scholarship continues to accept tax deductible donations through its website and also via check by mail to the Scott Morgan Scholarship Fund c /o. B. Hirschhaut, PO Box 5811 .High Point NC 27262.

Thank you!