The Rick Chapman Legacy League Scholarship Fund was recently created at the Community Foundation for Mason County in memory of Rick Chapman, a beloved local entrepreneur who owned and operated Chuck Wagon Pizza in Ludington, Michigan for many years. Inspired by Rick’s own path of starting his business at a young age, the scholarship supports students who are pursuing business education and entrepreneurship.
Rick Chapman was not just a business owner but also a community figure, creating a warm space where friends, neighbors, and local business owners gathered.
“Chuck Wagon turned into Rick’s living room,” Legacy League Board Member Jen Tooman shared, describing how it became a social hub where Rick would sit down with anyone who needed advice, encouragement, or just a friend to talk to. This spirit of generosity and mentorship inspired the Legacy League to establish the scholarship fund in Rick’s honor, hoping to continue his legacy of lifting up others.
The scholarship fund reflects Rick’s passion for entrepreneurship, particularly among the younger generations. Rick was a self-taught businessman who bought Chuck Wagon at just 21 years old, learning through experience rather than formal education. “Rick was always willing to sit down in his Chuck Wagon living room and talk to anybody that had a crazy idea,” said Jen. “We wanted to pay that forward—not just for students, but for local businesses that may need a little extra help to get started.”
The scholarship fund is administered by the Rick Chapman Legacy League Board, composed of Rick’s high school friends, longtime customers and neighbors from the community, and an overall eclectic mix of people from different walks of life that Rick befriended.
The board, along with several other Rick Chapman friends and fans, hosts an annual golf outing near Rick’s birthday in August to raise money. With a combination of sponsorships, entry fees, and silent auctions, the event has grown each year. “The golf outing is like a reunion,” said Jen. “You see serious golfers, but you also see people who are there just to celebrate Rick’s name and his impact on their lives.”
In addition to the scholarship fund, the League organizes business grants, making it possible for new local businesses to receive funding for start-up costs like rent, equipment, and fees. The scholarship and grant opportunities are part of the League’s broader mission to nurture entrepreneurship and support the Mason County community. “It’s about investing in the community and inspiring others to start and sustain businesses right here in Mason County,” Jen explained. The League envisions a future where young entrepreneurs will see Mason County as a place to grow and thrive, with support for their ambitious dreams.
Working with the Community Foundation provides an extra layer of stability and longevity for the scholarship fund. “If one day we can’t continue managing the nonprofit ourselves, Rick’s name will live on forever through the Foundation,” Jen said. The partnership also enables the League to access a wider network, helping promote their mission and events within Mason County.
At its heart, the Rick Chapman Legacy League is more than just a scholarship fund; it’s a tribute to a man whose impact was felt throughout the community. With every scholarship awarded and business supported, Rick Chapman’s spirit continues to shape lives and contribute to the vibrancy of the community Rick loved to call home.