ESU begins community scholarship fundraiser

ESU staff and community volunteers are soliciting donations from area businesses in the second part of the annual Campus/Community Scholarship Challenge.

The ESU Foundation aims to raise $50,000 to support the Presidential Academic Award, a renewable scholarship for incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic achievement.

“On top of the $50,000, we want to encourage 50 businesses to participate,” said David Decker, associate director for the ESU Foundation Annual Fund.

Downtown merchants will offer special promotions for “ESU Week” March 15-19, including auctions and donations of sales.

Foundation staff members have joined four community co-chairs Kurt and Shiela (spelled correctly) Steinkuhler, Gwen Longbine and Deborah Huth in raising “Pacesetter” gifts of $1,000.

Last year, ESU awarded over $2,350,000 in scholarships created from private donations such as alumni gifts, corporate sponsorships and general public contributions.

The community drive concludes with a gala auction March 19 at the Emporia Arts Center. Eight colorful “Corky the Hornet statues” will be auctioned off, with proceeds going toward student scholarships.

ESU WEEK PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

Arizings, Al's Electric, Lyon County State Bank, Bobby D's Merchant Street Barbecue, Flint Hills Lanes, Annette's Salon, Kwik Kar Lube and Tire, Jock's Nitch, George Groh and Sons Inc., Longbine Auto Plaza, McKinzie Pest Control, Atherton and Huth, Flint Hills Eye Care Associates

Last Updated July 2, 2007>