Mattoon Area Community Foundation has accepted two new scholarship funds for Mattoon High School graduates – The Florence Parker Fund and the Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.
A long-time resident of Mattoon, Florence Parker was an active supporter of educational scholarships for graduates of Mattoon High School during her lifetime. Now, after her death, her family is honoring her philanthropic interest by establishing a permanent Mattoon High School scholarship fund in her name.
In addition to the Florence Parker Fund, a second Mattoon High School scholarship has been established by an enthusiastic group of MHS alumni. The fund is called the Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship. According to David Janssen, a member of the alumni committee, a fundraising plan has been developed and the group will be working toward a goal of $50,000 over the next five years.
All donors of $100 or more to the Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship fund in 2011 will be considered members of Founder’s Club. In addition, the Florence Parker Fund has offered a challenge grant as seed money to encourage early support of the newly established Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship. All contributions made in 2011 to the Alumni Scholarship will be matched by the Florence Parker Fund, up to $10,000. If you are interested in donating to the Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship fund, click here for a link to download the pledge card and then mail the pledge card back to Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, PO Box 1211, Effingham, IL 62401.
Additional information regarding the scholarship funds or the Mattoon Area Community Foundation can be obtained by contacting Jon Fulton, Executive Director, at (217) 235-2500 or jfulton@enrichingourcommunity.org .
