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SALISBURY, MD---The tragic abduction and death of 11-year-old ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ resident Sarah Foxwell last December captured the nation’s attention and led the Maryland General Assembly to propose stricter laws for child sex offenders.

Now, one organization is hoping to help prevent similar incidents in the future by making social work education more available to area residents.

The Sarah Foxwell Memorial Scholarship Foundation recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Foundation, Inc. to establish a scholarship for social work students at SU.

Foundation President Teri Darby said the inspiration for the scholarship came as she and thousands of others participated in a three-day community search for Foxwell, which ended on Christmas.

“I was out there all three days, and I saw how much the community came together,” Darby said. “When it was over, we wanted to do something, and we wanted it to make a difference. Hopefully, the students who benefit from this scholarship will one day help save children who are in a similar situation.”

The first scholarship is expected to be given for the spring 2011 semester. Priority will be given to residents of Wicomico County who demonstrate financial need.

“We are honored to accept this gift in Sarah's memory,” said Kim Nechay, SU director of development and assistant director of the SU Foundation. “What a wonderful idea to turn such a tragedy into such a positive award for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ students who will strive to prevent this type of tragedy.”

The Foxwell Foundation will raise funds through a series of events, beginning with the first Sarah Foxwell Memorial Run, a motorcycle rally, on Saturday, April 17 (rain date Sunday, April 18). Riders may start from either Harley-Davidson of Seaford, DE, or Harley-Davidson of Ocean City, MD. Registration is from 8-10 a.m.

The ride ends at the Oasis Bar and Grill in Whaleyville, MD, where activities will include raffles, games for children, a silent auction and entertainment from live bands including Great Train Robbery, Tranzfusion, Roadies and Red No Blue. Registration for the ride is $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door, and includes admission to the Oasis.

Separate admission to the Oasis for those not participating in the ride is $25 for ages 18 and over, $10 for ages 13-17. A family rate for parents with children 12 and under is $25. Pre-registration for the Oasis portion of the event is not required.

Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, as well as the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center. To pre-register for the ride or for more information call 443-880-6868 or 302-632-2171.