The Aaron Pastor Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Aaron Arsen Pastor (1980-2013), a kindred spirit, youth leader, athlete, and scholar. The Aaron Pastor Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Aaron’s life and future ambitions by encouraging the pursuit of higher education to local high school wrestling students.

We wish to provide financial assistance to a deserving high school seniors who has exhibited academic and athletic excellence throughout his High School career, and has been accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning. We will be focusing our assistance in particular on the sport of wrestling, a sport in which Aaron excelled at the local, state, and national levels, both in High School and later on at Columbia University.

Second consistent with our primary goal we wish to support High School wrestling by assisting in tournaments, supply of equipment, and furnishing of uniforms etc. at both the High School and club level in various locals throughout the country.

Third it will be a goal of this fund to promote the sport of wrestling throughout the country, but especially in the state of Kansas at the University level. Too often outstanding athletes are forced too pursue their sport in states far away from home because their sport is not offered in their home state universities and colleges. We hope to assist in reversing this trend.

Lastly, but maybe most importantly we hope to sponsor fund raising activities throughout the year that will, either virtually or physically bring together Aaron’s extended family of friends in a spirit of camaraderie, friendship and fun, so that all those who knew and loved Aaron can gather together and grow the relationships they had established when Aaron walked amongst us. It is our fervent hope that this extended family of Aaron’s will continue to grow as it would have if he had lived longer here on earth and not been called home by his heavenly father.
The Aaron Pastor Memorial Scholarship Fund is solely made possible by generous individual donations, as well as contributions from businesses and organizations. Your donation is vital for the success of the scholarship. All donations are tax deductible.

Aaron Pastor’s Legacy

Aaron was born on February 23, 1980 in Middletown NY. Throughout his life he personified that old Star Trek mission statement,” To go Where No Man Has Gone Before,” His most obvious trait was his lack of fear. This allowed him to accomplish more than most at a very early age, it also resulted in more stitches, scrapes and broken bones at a very early age. Aaron loved to spend his weekends exploring the forests that surrounded his home in Orange County NY, or participating in sports. Aaron always excelled in anything he tried, whether it be baseball, football, wrestling, skiing, or any other activity he could enter.

After the family’s move to Kansas in 1990 Aaron continued to excel in both academics and athletics. Although an excellent football player, Aaron chose to go to Columbia University and pursue wrestling in the Ivy League. After graduation he returned home to Kansas where, after trying his hand at various financial consulting positions, he decided to pursue his first love by working in the medical arena as a nurse anesthetist. Throughout his life he had always been first to help someone in need. As witnessed by the numerous stories on The Aaron Pastor Memorial Page on Facebook.

Aaron never sought praise or recognition from those he helped, he just did it because it was the right thing to do. He volunteered to lead the startup of the youth group at church where he was an active member participating in scripture study and other church related activities. Aaron had a special place in his heart for special needs children and devoted a large portion of his time volunteering in the Special Olympics and caring as a Big Brother for several special needs children. Aaron has always had a way with people, but he especially committed time to those in need. It was these traits that caught on and became contagious, in not only his high school peers, but within the community.

Above all, Aaron’s legacy was one of giving and love. He was always there to help family and friends in need. It brought him great joy to leverage his gifts to help others. Even in the smallest of tasks, Aaron dedicated his big heart and his personal time to lend a helping hand. His greatest joy was bringing happiness to others. This is his lasting legacy. This is who Aaron was to his family and friends.

Exactly 23 years to the day that Aaron came to Kansas his Heavenly father called him home. He was 33 years old. We love him and miss him dearly but continue on, hoping to do the work he started until we can all be together again.

 Fund Administrators

• Andrew Pastor
• Hollie Blagg
• Heidi Pastor

Scholarship Recipients

• Trevor Lister
• Evan Taylor
• Mitchell Bartsch
• Ben Mullinnix
• Baker Lister
• Garrhett Hurst
• Mason Fuller
• Jackson Macoubrie

Newsletters

• August 2017
• August 2016
• May 2016
• December 2015
• August 2015
• May 2015
• January 2015
• August 2014
• June 2014

Marketing

• Marketing Pamphlet

Fundraising Events

• Poker Tournament 2016
• Poker Tournament 2015
• Poker Tournament 2014

Donations

CharitySmith accepts donations in two ways:

By Mail:
Aaron Pastor Memorial Fund
CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation
13100 Filly Lane
Truckee, CA 96161

Online:
Use credit card by clicking the Donate Now link above.

The above Memorial Fund is established as a division of CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation (EIN 87-0636433). All donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax law. Receipts for tax purposes are sent via US Mail within two weeks of donation. Please consider asking if your employer participates in a gift-matching program. If so, your donation may be matched by your employer. For questions regarding your donation or this memorial fund please contact CharitySmith.