Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint is getting ready for this year's scholarship program.

There are 11 members of the Class of 2023 participating in the program: Maren Davidson, Riley Adam, Haleigh Knowles, Kyla Brown, Adeline Henney, Margaret Russell, Elly Pincher, Madison Coon, Casey Reid, Kennedy Denny, and Kenzie Wyman. The theme for the 2022 program, set for March 5 at Sandpoint Middle School, is "Make It Happen."

Last year, DYW Sandpoint was able to award $11,300 in scholarships through the generous support of the community, Aundrea Wolf, DYW Sandpoint chairman.

"With the upcoming program for the Class of 2023 fast approaching, we are again seeking your tax-deductible donations to help support the educational future of these young women," Wolf said.

To help raise scholarship funds, Wolf said the local DYW participants and officials are holding two fundraising opportunities.

The first, a raffle for one of five prize packages. Tickets are $5 each, with prizes ranging from a seven-night stay on Kauai, Hawaii (airfare or transportation is not included) to a four-night stay on the Las Vegas Strip (airfare or transportation not included). Other prize packages include a half-day fishing charter with Pend Oreille Charters for two as well as a $100 MickDuff’s Brewing Company gift certificate; an 18-hole round of golf at The Idaho Club for four, includes cart and practice range as well as $100 gift certificate to The Clubhouse Restaurant; and trip with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises for four as well as a lake topographical map of Lake Pend Oreille (the winner can choose from either the history cruise or the island and eagle watching cruise.)

Wolf said a "huge Distinguished Young Women thank you" goes to those who donated prizes: The Idaho Club, Captain Bob Wiley, Jeff Miller, Mick Duff's, Captain EJ, Matt Williams and several anonymous donors.

Those interested in buying raffle tickets, can visit DYW at Super 1 Foods in Sandpoint on Feb. 11 and 25. Participants will be at the store to sell tickets from 3:30-6 p.m. both days. Tickets can also be purchased by emailing DYW Sandpoint at sandpoint@distinguishedyw.org.

The other way supporters can help the program is by becoming a sponsor, Wolf said.

"Through your tax-deductible cash donations, you or your company, will contribute to the educational future of young women in our community," she said.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential through continued education, by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities. It encourages them to develop their self-confidence in a positive peer environment and participate in Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

Those interested can contact Amber Prins, DYW Sandpoint sponsorship coordinator at adtrost12@gmail.com; or Wolf, DYW Sandpoint chairman, at sandpoint@distinguishedyw.org or 509-347-6095 for further information on how to become a sponsor. Donations made payable to: DYW of Sandpoint, Box 2531, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

"We are continuously amazed by the generosity and support of our community," Wolf said.