I can't see any connection Laurel between helping out someone burned out of house and home, or financially assisting someone who has succumbed to an appalling series of severe illness and accidents with providing a free 'pleasure trip' for someone (without even including his wife I presume?) when there are others equally 'worthy' of consideration who have not had the same opportunities to share in the Getaway 'experience' before.

A scholarship is usually defined is an award of access to an institution, or a financial aid award.

It is, in fact, very common for these to be based upon an assessment of 'need' with priority being given to those whose need was felt to be the greatest not on a 'who you know' basis