RSPA Announces Full Funding of Ann Maynard “Butterfly Effect” Memorial Scholarship

RALEIGH, NC – Thanks to overwhelming support from the retail IT channel community, the Ann Maynard “Butterfly Effect” Memorial Scholarship is officially fully funded. This achievement was first revealed at the  Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Inspire leadership conference Jan. 30 in Puerto Rico. This scholarship, beginning in 2024 and continuing in perpetuity, will provide two children or grandchildren of RSPA member companies with a $3,000 scholarship each.

This scholarship was made possible thanks to contributions totaling $121,758 from Ann’s friends, family, and the greater RSPA Community. The largest donations include:

  • $50,000: Anonymous donor
  • $20,000: Heartland
  • $10,000: Helgeson Family Foundation
  • $5,000: BlueStar
  • $5,000: Maloy Family Foundation
  • $5,000: Round 2 POS
  • $5,000: Worldpay
  • $2,000: MicroTouch

During the January 30 General Session at Inspire 2024, Ann’s husband, B.J. Maynard of VAR Merchant Data Solutions of North Myrtle Beach, SC, was presented with a plaque in Ann’s honor before he shared encouraging words about Ann’s legacy.

Ann Maynard was a driving force behind the RSPA Scholarship Program and the first woman inducted into the RSPA Retail Technology Industry Hall of Fame. Her commitment was evident at every RetailNOW and Inspire event where she tirelessly fundraised and spread positivity throughout the community. She spent her final days fundraising at RetailNOW 2023 in Orlando, raising nearly $8,000 for the RSPA Scholarship Fund. In the spirit of Ann’s generosity, attendees at this year’s Inspire conference raised an event-record $7,691.07 for the Scholarship Fund.

“A scholarship that funds Ann’s favorite charity and recognizes forever her legacy of kindness, generosity, and selflessness is so wonderful,” said Jim Roddy, RSPA President & CEO. “We are grateful to the many donors who have created this opportunity for our community to honor Ann and to ensure future generations will know her love of others like we did.”

You can continue Ann’s legacy by donating to the RSPA Scholarship Fund by visiting www.GoRSPA.org/scholarship and selecting “Click here to donate to the RSPA Scholarship Program.”

About RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association)
The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW® and Inspire® which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.