Raise the Blues presents Garfield County Forever and Launch NW programs
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-EW photo by Naomi Scoggin
Bob Cox, Raise the Blues chairman, introduced the meeting's presenters, Kol Medina, CEO and president of BMCF, and Ben Small, executive director of the Innovia Foundation's Launch NW initiative.
POMEROY––The Raise the Blues endowment campaign held an informational meeting regarding two major fundraising efforts on March 27.
Raise the Blues is partnering with the Innovia Foundation in the scholarship fund program Launch NW, to provide Garfield County graduating seniors with scholarships. The program's long term goal is to have two million dollars set aside for the scholarships, and they are currently at $224,000. The scholarship opportunities are available to graduating seniors from Pomeroy High School and homeschooled students who have lived in Garfield County for at least two years. "This project is about children finding their path and passion in life," said Ben Small, executive director for Launch NW. The scholarships will provide a maximum of $5,000 yearly for up to four academic years to children from families with a yearly income of up to $85,000. For children from families with a yearly income of $85,000 to 150% of the Washington State median income, the scholarship will provide $2,500 yearly for up to four academic years.
Raise the Blues is also raising money to establish Garfield County Forever as a grant-making fund. It currently stands at $222,400. Donations to the Forever fund can be made either as monetary donations, or as bequest pledges. Through the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, anonymous donors have arranged to match 50% of donations and donate $20,000 per bequest pledge of $100,000 or 5% of estate.
