Bailey Schmitt Memorial Fund

In memory
of Bailey.

Keeping her memory alive through scholarships, a yearly cook-off, and the people who loved her.

Founded by: Len & family
Annual event: Chili cook-off
Giving: Venmo, community-led

Bailey Schmitt, arms raised in celebration, wearing a Texas A&M jersey on an evening outing — Bailey, 12th Man.

Her story

Remembering Bailey.

The Bailey “Bear” Schmitt Memorial Fund was created to honor Bailey’s memory and carry forward the loving, caring spirit she shared with everyone around her. Bailey was truly the firecracker of our family — full of energy, laughter, and a personality that could light up any room she entered. With her bright smile, infectious laugh, and kind heart, she had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. Bailey never met a stranger and was always eager to help others — both people and animals alike. Her compassion, enthusiasm, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Bailey was truly the firecracker of our family.

Established in 2026, the fund reflects the values Bailey lived every day: kindness, generosity, community involvement, and a passion for helping others pursue their dreams. Sports, band, animals, her Texas A&M Aggies, and her family were all important parts of Bailey’s life, and she embraced every opportunity to be involved and encourage those around her. Through this scholarship, Bailey’s family hopes to support students who demonstrate dedication to academics, leadership, service, and involvement within their schools and communities — qualities that Bailey embodied so naturally throughout her life.

More than anything, this scholarship is a way to continue Bailey’s legacy by investing in young people who share her compassionate spirit, strong character, and love for life. It is our hope that each recipient will carry a piece of Bailey’s light forward as they pursue their goals and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The night the trophies came home.
Front porch, summer.
Out west, family hike.
Cardboard forts and big sister laughs.
Goofing around in the courtyard.
Aggie days.

Bailey Schmitt standing outside at night with her arms wide, surrounded by Christmas lights and yard decorations — Decorating the yard — December.

The fund

What your gift supports.

Donations to the Bailey Schmitt Memorial Fund go directly toward celebrating Bailey’s legacy in our community.

Bailey Schmitt smiling and holding an awards certificate from her elementary school

01 — Scholars

Scholarships for local students.

The fund awards scholarships to graduating seniors and young people in our area, helping them take the next step Bailey would have cheered on.

Awarded annually · proceeds from the cook-off and direct gifts.

Bailey Schmitt's Memorial Scholarship Fund shirts

02 — Cook-off

Annual chili cook-off.

Each year, a fun and competitive chili cook-off brings neighbors together to raise money for the fund. It's part fundraiser, part reunion — a tradition built in Bailey's name.

Hosted by Len & family · teams, judges, and full plates.

Bailey Schmitt laughing with her sibling, framed by a doorway

03 — Community

Community, held together.

Beyond dollars, the fund is a way for friends and family to stay connected — to show up for one another the way Bailey did.

Give

Support the fund.

Contributions are accepted through Venmo. Scan the code on your phone or open Venmo on desktop.

QR coming soon Len is exporting it from the Venmo app.

Scan or tap to give.

Every gift is held by the fund and goes directly toward scholarships and the cook-off. There’s no overhead.

@TBD_FROM_LEN

Open in Venmo See the cook-off

Gifts are processed through a personal Venmo account. They are not tax-deductible and no formal receipt will be issued. If you need documentation for taxes, please contact us before giving.

Venmo handle is on the way — check back soon.

Cook-off

2027Coming soon

2027 chili cook-off.

Details for the next cook-off are on the way. Check back for the date, location, and how to register your team.

Date: TBD_FLYER
Location: TBD_FLYER
Register: TBD_FLYER

Bailey Schmitt as a young girl, wearing a paper chef hat at a cooking class — Bailey, chef hats and all.

Scholars

Scholarship recipients.

Students supported by the fund. New recipients will be added as awards are announced.

Bailey Schmitt holding an honor-roll certificate at school — The spirit your gift supports.

Awaiting recipients

Recipients coming soon.

Photos and names will be posted here after the next award cycle. Each recipient is a student carrying a piece of Bailey’s spirit forward.

Help fund the next award

In memory of Bailey.