Shelton Kiwanis Foundation
Since its establishment in 2004, the Kiwanis Foundation has invested more that $125,000 in the local community. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports student scholarships as well as youth and education programs.
The Shelton Kiwanis Foundation relies heavily on community support. Longtime Chairperson Dave Thacher said “We are blessed to have the backing of local businesses and many kind-hearted individuals so that we can sustain these wonderful programs. How grateful we are, as a Foundation, to make a difference in the lives of children here in Mason County.”
Click here to learn how to give to the Foundation. All gifts made to the non-profit are tax deductible as a charitable donation. All contributions to the Shelton Kiwanis Foundation are directed to the following local youth activities.
The Shelton Kiwanis Foundation relies heavily on community support. Longtime Chairperson Dave Thacher said “We are blessed to have the backing of local businesses and many kind-hearted individuals so that we can sustain these wonderful programs. How grateful we are, as a Foundation, to make a difference in the lives of children here in Mason County.”
Click here to learn how to give to the Foundation. All gifts made to the non-profit are tax deductible as a charitable donation. All contributions to the Shelton Kiwanis Foundation are directed to the following local youth activities.
Scholarships
Every year, the Foundation provides up to eight scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing trade school or college degrees. At least hree of those scholarships honor a generous legacy gift made by longtime Kiwanian Dell Abelein. To date, more than $50,000 has been awarded in student scholarships.
Student Recognition: Golden Eagle Awards
The Foundation also leads an award program at Olympic Middle School. Working together with the teachers and administrators, students are recognized for behavioral and academic improvements.
Missoula Children's Theater
Acknowledging the arts as an essential element of education, the Foundation also teams up with the nation’s largest touring children’s theater for an annual performance. Missoula Children’s Theater arrives in Shelton each spring to direct school children in a live theater production. Participating in the performing arts hones important characteristics such as creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem. As such, the Foundation sponsors the enrichment program and offers it to the students at no cost. Although the program has been paused because of the pandemic, plans to resume this opportunity for youth in the community are in discussion.
Foundation Board Members
The Foundation Board is comprised of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and several members at large. The 2022-2023 Kiwanis Foundation Board members are as follows:
Every year, the Foundation provides up to eight scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing trade school or college degrees. At least hree of those scholarships honor a generous legacy gift made by longtime Kiwanian Dell Abelein. To date, more than $50,000 has been awarded in student scholarships.
Student Recognition: Golden Eagle Awards
The Foundation also leads an award program at Olympic Middle School. Working together with the teachers and administrators, students are recognized for behavioral and academic improvements.
Missoula Children's Theater
Acknowledging the arts as an essential element of education, the Foundation also teams up with the nation’s largest touring children’s theater for an annual performance. Missoula Children’s Theater arrives in Shelton each spring to direct school children in a live theater production. Participating in the performing arts hones important characteristics such as creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem. As such, the Foundation sponsors the enrichment program and offers it to the students at no cost. Although the program has been paused because of the pandemic, plans to resume this opportunity for youth in the community are in discussion.
Foundation Board Members
The Foundation Board is comprised of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and several members at large. The 2022-2023 Kiwanis Foundation Board members are as follows:
- Chair John Tarrant
- Secretary Leah Clarke
- Treasurer Julie Orme
- Ross Gallagher
- Christine Moser
- Deidre Peterson
- Robert Stone
- Patti Tarrant
- Eric Thompson