Bainbridge alumni effort shares its 'Dream' through Foundation

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Michael T. O'Hair, president of the Bainbridge High School Alumni group, receives a $2,000 check from Elaine Peck, executive director of the Putnam County Community Foundation, as winner of the 2013 Share the Dream contest.

The Putnam County Community Foundation has announced this year's Share the Dream program winner, Bainbridge High School Alumni Scholarship.

After starting a new scholarship endowment last year, Bainbridge High School alumni have banded together to win not one, not two, but all three of the Community Foundation's Share the Dream competitions.

"This has never happened before," Elaine Peck, executive director of the Putnam County Community Foundation, said. "Bainbridge High School Alumni has certainly made moves to 'Share their dream' with Putnam County."

Bainbridge High School Alumni successfully raised the most money overall ($30,184), raised the most money via the Community Foundation's website (www.pcfoundation.org) and had the highest number of first-time donors.

As the winner of all three contests, Bainbridge High School Alumni's Scholarship Fund will receive an additional $2,000 from the Community Foundation for its scholarship endowment.

In December 2012, the Bainbridge Alumni leadership team created the scholarship.

"We wanted a way for the memory of Bainbridge High School to live on after we are all gone and continue in perpetuity," Alumni President Michael O'Hair said. "The scholarship endowment will strengthen the legacy of Bainbridge High School and create a vehicle for Bainbridge alums to touch the lives of hundreds of young people as they graduate and head off to college."

One of those alums is retired pro basketball player Larry Steele, Bainbridge Class of 1967.

"Going to Bainbridge High School was very instrumental in my life," Steele said. "The cooks, janitors, coaches, administrators, and of course the teachers all contributed to provide a safe and positive learning environment."

Next year's Share the Dream Contest will begin May 1, 2014. Any organization or individual interested in learning more about the program or anyone who would like to submit intentions to compete in the 2014 program should contact the Community Foundation.

The Putnam County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1985 to serve donors, award grants and provide leadership, enriching the quality of life and strengthening community in Putnam County.

The Foundation administers 240 active funds and endowments for donors supporting a variety of charities.

To obtain additional information about Share the Dream or gift planning options, persons may contact the office at 653-4978 or visit the website at www.pcfoundation.org.

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