Monies raised from sponsors of the Neches Wilderness Canoe Race are put into a discretionary fund at Trinity Valley Community College in Palestine to fund special needs scholarships.The TVCC counselor and financial advisor screen all scholarship applications received and discuss the dispersion of these funds with the Board of Directors of the East Texas River Runners prior to awarding these scholarships.Over the past 10years funds in excess of $16,000 have provided over 85 scholarships to deserving students. This scholarship program benefits a variety of students with special needs including returning adults, single parents, veterans, and recent high school graduates.