Et cetera : Benton Scholarship Foundation sets annual fundraising goal

The Benton Scholarship Foundation (BSF) has set a campaign goal of $55,000 for the 2013-2014. This follows another successful year of fundraising that included several new permanent scholarships being created.

“Every year the number of permanent scholarships presented increases thanks to the generosity of the individuals and families who have close ties to the Benton Community School District,” said Cristina Hurley, BSF President. “Our board is proud to be able to offer scholarships to every student who applies. We could not continue our mission without the community’s continuous support of this foundation.”

A named scholarship is established when a donor contributions reach a minimum level. In some cases, the gift is in a one-time donation, while in other circumstances the permanent scholarship is established over time.

Permanent scholarships established in 2012/13 included the following:

• Jack Hannen Scholarship – A consistent donor to the Benton Scholarship Foundation, this scholarship reached permanent status in 2013. As a Microsoft employee, BSF is Jack’s chosen charity in Microsoft’s fundraising drive. “It’s my honor to give back to the high school I'm proud to say I attended.”

• Leland and Yvonne Kuch Family Scholarship - Established in 2013, the Kuch family created this scholarship in memory of Leland, who passed away in 2012. Leland, a graduate of Van Horne High School, and Yvonne (Hennings), a graduate of Keystone High School, raised their family on a farm near Keystone and were very active in Benton Community Schools. Leland served on the Benton Community Board of Education, was a 4-H leader and a longtime official of girls’ and boys’ basketball. Yvonne was a teacher in the Benton Community District for many years.

• Bruce Towe Memorial FFA Scholarship - This scholarship was established in 2013 by the family of R. Bruce Towe. Bruce graduated from Norway High School and farmed in the area all his life. He enjoyed driving a school bus for Norway and Benton Community for over 50 years. Bruce was an avid supporter of 4-H and the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter. Bruce’s family established this scholarship to honor his commitment to agriculture and students involved in this organization.

The BSF is a non-profit group whose mission is to provide higher education for Benton graduates through the generous donations from businesses, patrons and friends of Benton Community in the form of scholarships. BSF is made up of a board of directors of local volunteers from the Benton Community School District. BSF is an affiliate of Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA). CSFA is the national non-profit parent organization of over 770 Dollars for Scholars chapters nationwide. BSF became a tax-exempt scholarship foundation in 1990.

To learn more about the foundation or for a complete list of permanent scholarships awarded at the 2013 Senior Awards program, visit the BSF website: www.bentonia.dollarsforscholars.org

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the BSF, please contact one of the board members listed below, or write to: BSF, PO Box 129, Van Horne, IA 52346.

BSF board members include Vice President Kelsey Ritscher, Keystone; Treasurer Andy Jones, Atkins; Secretary Keri Touro, Newhall; Steve Allman, Van Horne; Therese Fisher, Blairstown; Sue Gessner, Watkins; Gina Krug, Newhall; Brooke Kupka, Vining; Jake Rabe, Blairstown; Emily Schulte, Atkins; Rita Taylor-Stewart, Atkins, Debie Towe, Norway; Robyn Woeste, Atkins.