Single Parent Holiday Benefit Inspires Gratitude
Graduates Share Success Stories
Last updated Saturday, December 15, 2007 9:11 PM CST in Our Town
By Marla Hinkle
THE MORNING NEWS
Related Photos
SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale home of Lynn and Joel Carver was lit with holiday merriment for the 23rd annual Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County Holiday Benefit on Dec. 6.
Students and their benefactors had the chance to mingle and have a good time in a relaxed atmosphere.
"I always enjoy watching the students and donors interact," said Christine Zini, development director for the organization. The evening's goal was to raise $45,000 to fund scholarships next year.
Zini said 2007 was the first year the scholarship fund has had to turn away applicants -- there were so many -- but full-time students are still offered a $1,500 scholarship.
Jody Dilday, executive director, said plans for 2008 are to increase community outreach.
Guests mingled around the Carvers' spacious home near Lake Fayetteville, listening to the Christmas and jazz songs performed by pianist Pamela Nelson.
Catering Concepts Inc. prepared an elegant hors d'oeuvres spread.
Gene Anderson, a member of the organization's board of directors, said he and other members were excited to see how the scholarships are changing lives.
"Not only does the scholarship change the life of a student, but also their families," he said.
"When children see a parent studying, this inspires them."
Anderson reminded patrons that the scholarship fund now accepts monthly contributions, which may be done through an automatic bank draft.
In 2007, 25 students who were awarded scholarships graduated, and the average grade point average was 3.136. The level of scholarship recipients maintaining a 4.0 was at 27 percent.
Arlene Jones was the first Single Parent Scholarship recipient to thank supporters.
"I have four kids, three teenagers and one 12-year-old. I want to thank you for what a big impact you have made in my life ... it has opened doors. I have a 3.0 grade point average this year, not bad for a high school dropout."
Jones said she plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Jeremy Riddle spoke next. He and Jones attended Fayetteville High School together. He is recently divorced and has a 15-year-old son. Riddle has plans to become a teacher.
"Without your contributions, we would never have the opportunities. The scholarships will not only affect us, but the lives of people we know."
FAST FACTS
This year the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County received $330,875 from individual donors and corporate sponsors, allowing the organization to distribute 375 scholarships worth $330,875.
Information: 750-4971, www.spsfwc.org.
Source: Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County
Reader Comments (No comments posted.)
The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.
Not already registered?
