Contributions and Scholarships

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10-10-10 Scholarship Fund

A summer sailing trip to Beaver Island included some surprises for a Chicago couple. The first came when a wind storm hit just as they arrived at the island, providing some unexpected excitement before they safely made it to the dock. The second surprise came the next day when the couple took a tour of the island.

"We discovered the Beaver Island Lighthouse School - a place where exceptional things are happening," said Beth Urech, a Michigan native.

Urech and her husband Mark Gillingham were so impressed with the school, students and their projects that they set up a scholarship fund and named it 10-10-10 Beaver Island Lighthouse School Scholarship, to commemorate their wedding date. Making a difference for humanity and in gratitude for the abundance in their lives is the spirit behind the scholarship.

"We have enough toasters, and blenders," Urech said. "We both love Michigan, and we wanted to make a lasting donation." The couple's wedding invitation explicitly requested all gifts be contributions to the fund, which has grown more than five times since it began in October.

The first recipient of the award was Katie Dougherty, who graduated this winter as the class valedictorian.  

Dougherty, originally a Central Lake resident, dropped out of Elk Rapids High School during her senior year. However, she excelled in the Beaver Island Lighthouse School program, academically and socially, earning "A"s on her report card and working as a writer for the school newspaper. Her future plans include attending Northwestern Michigan College in the fall of 2011 as a step toward her career goal in forensic science.

While the scholarship fund was originally set up to accept donations from Urech and Gillinghams's wedding guests, it is now open to anyone who would like to make a contribution. To make donations to the 10-10-10 Scholarship Fund, call Beth Urech and Mark Gillingham at 312-913-9071 or visit their website http://101010scholarship.info/; or contact Jan Warren, Michigan Works Program Director, at 231-922-6326.

 

Want to Help All Students at Beaver Island Lighthouse School?

From time the time, people have asked about ways to help students and the Beaver Island Lighthouse School. Some items that of benefit the school could be donated. For more info and a list of items on the "wish list," please contact Ken Roehling at: kroehling@tbaisd.k12.mi.us

 

Want to Help the Students of YouthBuild Northwest?

Many students participating in the YouthBuild program have economic challenges. Donations helping with food, clothing, transportation, or other necessities are beneficial and enable the students to cross hurdles as they complete the program. For more information, please contact Jan Warren, Michigan Works Program Director, at 231-922-6326.