Donations to Guinn scholarship increase

Donations to the Kenny Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship Fund established by former First Lady Dema Guinn have now reached $53,718.

Steve George of the Treasurer's office said more than 225 people have donated to the fund in memory of the popular former governor who died July 22 after falling from the roof of his Las Vegas home.

Dema Guinn set up the fund as an alternative to flowers and other remembrances to her husband. Kenny Guinn created the Millennium Scholarship in 2000, funding it with tobacco settlement money. Since then, it has helped thousands of Nevada high school graduates receive higher education.

George said contributions to the fund may be tax deductible. He said those wishing to contribute can make a direct deposit at any Wells Fargo bank branch by identifying the account name - the Kenny Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship Fund - and providing the account number 1710741958.