Friday, September 26, 2008

Zonta Club Continues its Commitment to Women in York County

WELLS –
For the 13th consecutive year, Zonta International donated $1,000 to the York County Community College Foundation scholarship fund. The contribution is intended to assist women of York County in acquiring the education needed to improve their occupational and financial situations. Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
The scholarship contribution represents the proceeds from the Zonta Club of York County’s largest fundraiser of the year with the Hackmatack Playhouse. Zonta Club of York County and the Hackmatack Playhouse have partnered in similar efforts for 19 years. “Zonta is always pleased to award this scholarship to deserving students from York County who attend YCCC,” said Sue Seaver, club president.
“Contributions to our scholarship fund help YCCC bridge the widening gap between family income and college costs making a college education accessible to everyone,” says John Rainone, Executive Director of the York County Community College Foundation. “Service-minded organizations like Zonta International have allowed us to increase scholarship awards by 19% over that of the 2006-07 school year.”
Approximately 55 percent of students enrolled at YCCC are at the poverty level and 30 percent of students indicate that they work 30 hours per week or more to meet their educational expenses. Out of the 80 percent of YCCC students who qualify for financial aid, 70 percent take out loans. Generous gifts like these enable the YCCC Foundation to provide vital help students attending York County Community College further their education. Last year, the YCCC Foundation awarded over $31,000 in scholarships to 141 students. Since 1996, the YCCC Foundation has awarded over $137,000 to 506 students.
Caption: Zonta Club of York County’s president, Sue Seaver presents John Rainone with a check for $1000. (Courtesy photo)