Charles City community supports Dollars for Scholars

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

More than 150 people at the Elks Lodge supported Dollars for Scholars during the organization’s fundraiser dinner on Friday evening, April 11.

For nearly 30 years the Charles City Area Dollars for Scholars program has been providing scholarships to area graduates, raising funds from the community to support students seeking higher education.

The fundraiser dinner featured a selection of pastas provided by Ginger’s Top Shelf, while entertainment included performances from the high school varsity jazz choir, Rhymes with Orange and acoustic guitarist Kris Karr.

“We try to make it fun for everybody,” said Kathy Herrick, Dollars for Scholars board president and scholarship chairman.

In between shows, dinner guests were challenged to support their favorite academic endeavor, competing to see which educational area, from arts to sciences to education, could raise the most money.

A selection of auction items including cheesecakes and gift baskets were also on hand to bolster this year’s pool of scholarship funds.

Last year, Dollars for Scholars distributed more than $53,000 to 67 applicants. Organized by a board of 12, plus two high school volunteers, the program offers second semester scholarships to students in the community, with a focus on supporting students who may not qualify for many other scholarship programs.

“Everybody deserves a chance to further their education,” said Herrick. “That’s a big part of our thing.”

Along with the annual dinner, Dollars for Scholars raises funds through a mail-a-thon campaign and individual sponsors.

Dollars for Scholars will distribute this year’s scholarships to 46 applicants at a ceremony at Trinity United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 30.

“That’s always a fun night, too,” said Herrick.