CLEARWATER, Fla. – Madison Rushe had just clocked out for her shift at the Regency Oaks senior living facility in Clearwater last week when a fire broke out. Instead of heading home, she ran up to the 4th floor. After Clearwater Fire & Rescue got control of the fire, Madison worked with one of the teams there to help about 50 residents and their pets escape. She stayed at the scene to assist until 4:30 the next morning!
This afternoon, Madison was presented with a $500 scholarship for her heroic efforts. The check was awarded by the nonprofit, Finish Line for Scholarships with funds donated by Chargebacks911. She was also recognized by Clearwater Fire & Rescue.
“She saved a lot of lives,” said David Sowers, President of Clearwater Firefighters Local 1158. “Because of smoke inhalation, for the elderly, that can be very deadly.”
“Madison is one of the hardest working people I know,” said Suzanne Mannino of Finish Lines for Scholarships. “Madison, you really earned this and we are so proud of you.”
Madison is 20 years old and has been an employee at Regency Oaks for just over four years. She is a student at the University of Florida and has also spent 10 years volunteering with Finish Lines for Scholarships at various 5K’s and its youth triathlon.
Chargebacks911 wants to thank Madison, Finish Line for Scholarships and the brave men and women of Clearwater Fire & Rescue for their commitment to the community.
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Chargebacks911 has called Clearwater home since it started up in 2013. The company has donated to local nonprofits across the Tampa Bay area each week for more than 200 consecutive weeks in its #TakeChargeforCharity campaign.
Finish Lines for Scholarships Corporation 501c3 awards scholarships to students through their coaches and schools across Pinellas County to encourage both their fitness and academics throughout the years of their education.