The Ponderay Rotary Club is working to raise around $3,000 in the final days of its Keep Local Dream Alive fundraiser to meet its $15,000 goal for local scholarships.

The fundraiser, which ends April 30, will go toward the group’s scholarship fund that awards anywhere from $11,000-$20,000 each year.

The goal of the scholarships, said club member Kari Saccomanno, beyond helping individual students, is to fund the next generation of leaders.

“We are trying to help close the gap between cost and the ability to get an education for local students. We want to ensure greater social mobility for future generations, and to encourage these students to do the same for others later,” she said.

Club scholarships can be used for a variety of educational purposes, including colleges and universities, technical school, beauty school and continuing education.

“Our club members work hard to support both high school graduates as well as students of all ages wishing to continue their education,” said Nanci Jenkins, Scholarship Committee chair. “It has been a pleasure watching our scholarship recipients go on to success after graduating from college and trade schools. It shows these students that their community believes in them, plus helps ensure the future of our community.”

This year, the drive has four donation levels: “Give a Quack” for $25-$99 donations, “Quacking Up” for donations of $100-$249, “Wise Quacker” from $250-$499 and “Fire Quacker” for $500 and up.

Individuals or businesses who donate $500 and up will be invited and recognized at the annual scholarship recipient celebration.

Other donation levels have benefits including media recognition and logo placement in both media, social and the Ponderay Rotary website.

“This work would not be possible without generous donations from our community. Thank you in advance for contributing to our scholarship fund at any level. Your donation will be used to help a deserving student move forward on their career path,” Jenkins said.

If you would like to donate or become a sponsor for the Ponderay Rotary Scholarship Drive, please email [email protected] or call (208) 290-0213. Payment can be mailed to the Ponderay Rotary Club at P.O. Box 813, Ponderay, ID 83852 or online at PonderayRotaryClub.com Scholarship Drive page.