Established in 1982, The Mayor’s Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization designed to raise funding to award scholarships to Cape Coral students. Tomorrow night the organization is hosting its 3rd annual Mayor’s Scholarship Ball.
We spoke to Joanne Hayden, a Board Member for the organization about the fund and tomorrow night’s big event.
CCTR: Who started the Scholarship Fund and why was it launched?
Hayden: In September of 1982 a meeting was held for the express purpose of forming an organization to raise funds for scholarships to be awarded to deserving Cape Coral students. Attending the meeting were former Mayor Price, then detective Roger Butler, John Crawford, John Thinnes, Jim White and Lee Blyer. As a result, articles of incorporation were drawn for the Cape Coral Mayor’s Youth Fund.
In 1995, we were incorporated, changed our name to Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, Inc., and obtained a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS. The CCMSF has continued to assist students with higher education for 43 years. The first two scholarships of $125 each were awarded in 1983.
CCTR: What is your role and what does it mean to you to be part of this organization?
Hayden: I’m a board member, and part of a team of volunteer members. Our by-laws allow for 18 members. Many of those serving are from our business community – and all have a passion for education. Being a part of this non-profit gives me a sense of supporting higher education for our city’s youth. I believe it truly impacts the future of our community.
CCTR: Who are the recipients and how are they chosen?
Hayden: Scholarship funding has two areas. The first is our 4-year recurring scholarships awarded to high school seniors. We partner with the Collaboratory for the application process. They review the applications and forward a selection to our review team. We score each application with a predetermined matrix and select our recipients from the highest application scores. Financial need is a factor but we also look at the full work of the student including community service.
The other area is support of our technical colleges. Each year we fund the Cape Coral Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College, and the SWFL Public Service Academy. Cape Coral residents attending programs at these schools are selected through the financial assistance program already in place.
CCTR: How much does the organization give away each year in scholarships?
Hayden: The past several years we have been able to award 10 4-year scholarships $4000 each ($1000 each year). Additionally, we have awarded 5 technical student scholarships at $1500 one-time assistance. We hope to be able to increase the number of scholarships this year.
CCTR: Tell us about the Ball.
Hayden: This is the third year we have held the Mayor’s Scholarship Ball. It was revitalized for our 40th anniversary – and many agreed a fun way to kick off our fundraising for the season. Our MC is Lisa Spooner from Gulf Coast News.
We have individuals and companies that sponsor the ball – this year is our highest support yet. Funding from this event and our annual golf tournament (April 25) along with other donations help determine the number of scholarships awarded.
We have a short program to highlight the work being done by our students and their success. Dinner, a silent and live auction of items donated by community businesses – and dancing with a live band. This is the second year Deep Cover will bring the fun.
The Ball begins at 5PM tomorrow night and is being held at the Westin Cape Coral Resort
Individual tickets are $175 and a Table of 8 is $1200.
Reservations can made here: CapeCoralMayorScholarship.com
