The 30th annual Yelm Dollars for Scholars auction was a highly successful evening on Saturday, March 8, at the Lake Lawrence Lodge, as the event raised over $115,000 in scholarship opportunities to provide to upcoming Yelm High School graduates.
The live, in-person dinner and auction was highlighted by Yelm Dollars for Scholars organizers as a fun-filled evening. Masonry Cafe provided food for the evening, and 507 Taproom provided cocktails and drinks, while Panowicz Jewelers provided items for the raffle.
Former Yelm Mayor JW Foster emceed the event, while Danny Schorno, described as a world-renowned auctioneer, brought the excitement to the live auction portion of the night. Derrick Platt, YHS class of 2019 graduate, shared his story about how his Yelm Dollars for Scholars scholarship helped him with the debt of college and further his career.
The online auction ran from Feb. 28 to March 7 and provided for a week-long opportunity for bidders to explore a diverse selection of items, from unique experiences to exclusive memorabilia, all from the comfort of their homes. Participants engaged in spirited online bidding, making a meaningful contribution to education in Yelm.
One of the biggest highlights of the annual event was the tribute to long-time supporter and founder of Yelm Dollars for Scholars endowment fund Larry Schorno. Yelm Dollars for Scholars will now annually award the “Larry Schorno Endowment Founder Scholarship” to honor and commemorate his work and dedication to the program.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the 30th annual auction and thankful for our community support. The generosity of our community plays a pivotal role in positively impacting our student’s lives,” Dan Huttmann, Board President of Yelm Dollars for Scholars, said. “The business donations for auction items and the community support in bidding and attending the event help us to advance our mission to empower local students through education.”
Over the last 30 years, Yelm Dollars for Scholars has raised and distributed more than $3 million in scholarships to YHS graduates. The organization’s mission is to support local students in their pursuit of local education, and each year, the annual auction raises funds to support upcoming graduates in their post high school endeavors.
For those who were unable to attend the annual Yelm Dollars for Scholars auction but would still like to donate, visit Yelm.DollarsForScholars.org for more information on how to get involved and give back.
