Kiwanis Club gets good marks for 2012 scholarship distribution

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has enjoyed a successful year. So much so, in fact, that the group will be distributing $35,000 in scholarships and grants for the year — a $6,000 increase over its 2011 total.

“All in all, over the two-year period, we’ve dramatically increased the amount of money raised for youth in the local area during a time when giving was difficult for many due to the economy,” says John Wild, president of the Kiwanis Club.

Recently, the club enjoyed success at its Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party and Valentine’s Ball. It also will hold an upcoming pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 24 (see below).

Last year, the club gave 21 scholarships: 10 were academic scholarships for $1,750 each, and 11 went to technical school students at $1,000 each. This year, the club hopes to distribute a similar number of scholarships, but plans to give more money to each recipient.

“Tuition has gone up, so we are hoping to be able to give a little more this year,” says Weldon Frost, chairman of the scholarship committee.

Last year, the five-person committee reviewed 54 applications. From May 11 to June 15, they will be taking applications to begin the selection process all over again.

“It is one of the most rewarding things we do,” Frost says. “It’s a quite significant and important, youth-oriented activity for us.”

IF YOU GO
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
When: Takes place from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24
Where: St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Cost: $6
Ticket locations: LLSA Chamber of Commerce, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Dr.; SunTrust Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road; or any Kiwanis Club member.