Scholarship Endowment Committee
FOR the FUTURE……..
A Scholarship Endowment for AZ Water By Vicki Scott
AZ Water is a strong proponent of education and our association has a long history of giving scholarships. Funding for these scholarships, or a significant portion thereof, has traditionally come from the annual conference “scholarship” golf tournament. The tournament is well attended and greatly benefits from the many generous sponsorships received from our consultant and vendor members. In 2009 we awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students attending colleges in Arizona.
Why an Endowment?
Inspired by similar and successful efforts in California and New York, an endowment interest committee came together and has gained the Board of Director’s support for the creation of a scholarship endowment fund. In the short term, interest earned from the fund will supplement monies raised from the annual golf tournament, and long term, may ultimately fully fund scholarships given on behalf of AZ Water. We hope this effort will also trigger a fresh dialogue about scholarships and inspire new ideas for how our organization can support, attract and cultivate an interest in training and education for current and potential professionals in our industry.
The Goal
The AZ Water goal is to raise $200,000 in the next five years. Let’s split the elephant into bite size morsels - that’s $40,000 per year for the next five years, or less than $15.00 per member each year. It’s attainable. We can do this!
Several giving tiers have been established but no donation is too small. Because of our association’s non-profit status, all donations are tax deductible (as the law allows).
Because this is a new beginning for our organization, we want to recognize initial donors as “Founders” of the AZ Water Scholarship Endowment Fund. The Founders designation will be acknowledged in perpetuity for individuals who donate $1,000 or above, and Businesses/Companies that donate $5,000 or above only through May 31, 2010. Go to azwater.org to donate.
You’re Invited
All members are invited to attend one or more of the endowment kick-off events. For a small donation you can join your fellow AZ Water members for tasty appetizers and wine or beer sampling. Socialize, network, learn about the scholarship program, find out more about the scholarship endowment fund, and share your ideas for the future.
SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Vicki Scott (Chair), Brandy Kelso, Patty Kennedy, Patrick Goodfellow, Jeanne Jensen,
Brooke Mayer, Tom Galeziewski, Misti Burkman, Charolotte Jones, Chuck Ohr, John Getchell,
Bob Clinger, Paul Hendricks, Patricia Davis, Jay Bailey, Lisa Culbert
If you are interested in volunteering on this committee, please email vscott@amigofarms.com