COMMUNITY Ponderay Rotary seeking donations to fund annual scholarship drive

By Reader Staff

Attending college or any other higher education usually requires some financial assistance. Ponderay Centennial Rotary Club’s focal point is aiding students continuing their education and adults wanting to go back to school, but it also offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

To support that mission, the club is seeking donations to fund its annual scholarship drive, aiming to raise $16,000 in order to help ease the burden faced by many local students and residents due to the high cost of higher education.

“It is difficult for students to focus on school when work demands and financial pressures dominate their thoughts,” the club stated. “We intend to decrease some of that pressure by offering financial assistance through scholarships to students of all ages who are serious about achieving their higher education goals.”

Club scholarships are not limited — they can be used for a variety of educational purposes such as college, trade school, beauty school and more.

Currently, the club is halfway to its 2023 goal; though, this scholarship drive is only one part of the club’s overall fundraising efforts. Last year, Ponderay Rotary gave out more than $26,000 in financial support and, over the past 16 years, the club has distributed more than $168,000 in scholarships to local graduating seniors and residents continuing their education.

“We are trying to help close the gap between cost and the ability to get an education for local students,” said Ponderay Rotary Treasurer Kari Saccomanno. “We want to ensure greater social mobility for future generations, and to encourage these students to do the same for others later.”

Any donation or sponsorship is appreciated. The club’s sponsor levels and benefits can be found on its website at ponderayrotaryclub.com. Donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 813, Ponderay, ID 83852. Donations can also be paid through the club’s website, ponderayrotaryclub.com. The drive ends Saturday, April 15.