Page 10 - YC360 Spring 2021 Edition

Foundation
Talking Rock Master Gardener Peggy Stair
AAUW offers “A Stroll Through Victorian Prescott”
Last Fall, the Arizona Association of University Women (AAUW) combined 19th Century history with COVID-safe sensibilities to create a unique fundraiser.
“A Stroll Through Victorian Prescott” offered a safe way for donors to get out, learn about the beautiful turn-of-the- century homes along Pleasant Street, and support female students pursuing science and technology-related careers.
Participants purchased a $25 electronic guide to 28 homes in Prescott’s historic district, allowing self-guided strolls around the homes at the donors’ convenience.
Proceeds funded the AAUW’s Centennial Scholarship for female YC students in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math programs.
Learn more about AAUW activities at: www.aauwprescott.net.
on the Move
Talking Rock Harvests $1.3K for Horticulture Scholarships
When Peggy Stair set her festival up for August, the Talking Rock Master Gardener was hoping for an Open House; with flowers and produce from the 25 community gardens she supervises, as well as auctions and tours to raise money for Horticulture scholarships.
But COVID had other plans. With cancellations everywhere, Peggy had ample excuse to call the festival off. She didn’t.
“One of the reasons gardening has become popular is because you can be outside and socially distanced.” She said. Peggy and her gardeners changed their festival on the fly. They restricted it to Talking Rock, and her neighbors stepped up. “People created or donated art. We got quilts and paintings and sculptures for our silent auction. People made baked goods. Everybody got involved.” Despite the lockdown, Peggy and company raised $1,300 for YC’s Mary Barnes & Jeff Schalau Master Gardener scholarship.
10 YC360 A Yavapai College Publication
Daniel’s Ride Helps YC Students Stay In School and On-Track
Every day since May, Daniel Swartz, 65, has hit the Peavine Trail. The YC Professor’s 81⁄2- mile ride began to help him cope with the lockdown’s devastating impact on his students.
“For some, their jobs took over,” he said. “For others, family chaos took over. I’d say I lost about a quarter of them.” As the days racked up, an idea took shape. “I thought, ‘how can I use this to help?’”
Now nearing its 330th consecutive day, Daniel’s Ride is raising money to help
YC students stay in school. Supporters can donate on Daniel’s YC Foundation page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ IAMYCFundraiser. Proceeds go to IAMYC’s Student Emergency Fund, which helps students cover unexpected expenses that threaten their academic careers. Daniel will keep riding, and fundraising, until mid-May, a year after he began.
‘Waz’ Scholarship Mirrors Its Generous Namesake
Even from his childhood days
in Michigan,
Jeff Wasowicz embraced life with vigor. ‘Waz’s’ occupations grew diverse – school teacher, small business owner,
extreme sports athlete, winemaker, bee keeper; and his community service record was long: the Yavapai College Foundation Board; the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County Board; the Yavapai Exceptional Industries Board. But a generous spirit and a joy of living shone through them all.
When Jeff tragically passed on last
year, those who cherished him created
a memorial that reflects that spirit.
The Jeff Wasowicz Community Service Endowed Scholarship is a full-time tuition scholarship for students committed to community service, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information, please call: (928) 776-2025.
PHILANTHROPY