The Butch Gudat Fund is a charitable fund established to assist Tri-County firefighters, their families and their communities. The fund commemorates the dedication and bravery of Peoria Fire Captain Butch Gudat who died fighting an apartment complex fire on Main Street on January 23, 1983.

The fund provides two (2) $1,500 academic scholarships to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters and one (1) $750 grant to a fire station in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties.

Applications for the scholarship and grant are due by December 1, 2011. To receive applications please go to the Butch Gudat Fund website at www.butchgudatfund.org or contact Mike Gudat by e-mailing mike@butchgudatfund.org.

Applications may also be obtained at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois by calling 309-674-8730 or by e-mailing Kristan@communityfoundationci.org.