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For almost 20 years, the KLM Scholarship Foundation has been dedicated to supporting education throughout the state of Virginia.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, the KLM Scholarship Foundation honors the life and legacy of activist, pioneer and legend Florence B. Bowser. The centennial anniversary celebration takes place from 5-7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.

Bowser was a dedicated educator, extremely driven, and a community activist during her lifetime, foundation officials said in a news release.

Bowser taught in what is now known as Nansemond County in Suffolk and graduated from Virginia State University in Petersburg. The honorable educator died in 1949 as a noble contributor to her community and is remembered as the first African American woman to have a school named after her in the city of Suffolk.

Proceeds from the event will go to Florence Bowser Elementary School, the Suffolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia State Alumni Association.

The KLM Scholarship Fund strives to fill a financial void for college students trying to elevate their educational journey. In the year 2022, the foundation gave away more than $72,000 in book scholarships to thousands of students.