If spring is in the air, then the Orcas Island American Legion Auxiliary Unit Scholarship fundraising is in full swing – and they deliver not just the sizzle, but the steak too. Their annual scholarship steak dinner will be held at the American Legion Post, 793 Crescent Beach Drive, on Saturday, April 19, from 5:00 to 8 p.m. The dinner costs $15 per person and includes a choice from the many delicious desserts prepared by the auxiliary.
The spring scholarship dinner is the auxiliary’s main scholarship fundraiser and all proceeds from the dinner go directly into the scholarship fund. There have been three $500 scholarships established for many years; the Sally Hart memorial scholarship, the Mid Flaherty memorial scholarship, and the Larverne Keys memorial scholarship. The auxiliary has added another $500 scholarship – the American Legion Auxiliary scholarship. In addition to the four mentioned above, Belinda Landon has established a $500 scholarship in memory of her husband, Vern Landon.
The auxiliary also reaches out to the community at this time, asking for $25 donations from businesses and private individuals. Each business donor can send in their business card which will be enlarged to 8 1⁄2” x 11” and displayed at the Legion Post in Eastsound for one year.
Donors are asked to make checks payable to “American Legion Auxiliary” and sent to the attention of Judi Resch/Eloise Monson, 793 Crescent Beach Dr., Eastsound WA 98245.
“Our scholarship program is successful because of all of you and your generosity,” said Resch. “Thank you for your continued support of our graduating seniors.”
In 2007, the American Legion Auxiliary awarded seven scholarships to Lindsay Curtis, Zachary Dolan, Alexa Nigretto, Jessica McCleary, Sofia Padbury, Conrad Wrobel, and Brittany Jade. In 2006, four scholarships were awarded to Woody Ciskowski, Patrick Doherty, Sophie Sisson, and Chandler Stone. In 2005, the Legion Auxiliary’s five scholarships went to Amanda Callahan, McLane Stone, Michael Ruff, Hunter Easterling, and Kellan Bernhardt.
