Foundation has been around since 1994. GAP Study indicated that we had a deficiency in adequate pre-school services in Grand Haven.
The Foundation decided to provide opportunities for 3 & 4 year olds for pre-school scholarships. All are entitled to opportunity, prevention trumps intervention, we reach parents before their kids get into school, and family attitudes about education are shaped early in the school career, and studies show that achievement in the early years can shape the futures of all of our kids.
Jay Greer, the Chair of the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Jay recognized past Rotary Chairs of the Foundation: Roger Jonas, Dale VanZantwik, Dave Seibold, and Gail Ringleberg. Over the years, the Foundation has provided over 450 scholarships, from 3 in 2006 up to 61 last year. Even with this great success, we still have 180 that are eligible for the scholarships. There is an endowment at the School Foundation of $1.2 million, but this does not produce enough interest to fill need for scholarships.
Our Rotary Club, through fundraisers over the years, have contributed $80,000 to the scholarships. Matt Dirkse, morning meeting attendee, continues to dedicate funds to the cause, Art in the Yard last weekend raised funds for the Scholarships and 100 Women Who Care contributed $30,000. The biggest fundraiser each two years is the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame, donating $80,000 in sponsorship funds last year.
