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Dollars for Scholars grant to support Farm to Fork Dinner
BAINBRIDGE -- In an effort to promote local livestock production, area school organizations are teaming up to host a unique fundraising event highlighting Putnam County’s agricultural industry.
Thanks to a newly awarded grant, the focus will be on ensuring that all Putnam County students can receive scholarships for post-secondary education and training.
Through a partnership between the Dollars for Scholars programs at North Putnam and Cloverdale Schools, the Greencastle Alumni Association and South Putnam High School, school leaders are planning the inagural Farm to Fork Dinner for Sept. 28 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
The North Putnam Dollars for Scholars chapter, which has spearheaded the event, recently received a $1,400 matching grant from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) as part of a statewide initiative to promote Indiana’s livestock sector. The grant going toward the Farm to Fork Dinner was one of 13 which were awarded to support various events organized by livestock organizations. Dollars for Scholars was one of two school organizations to receive funding from the ISDA.
“Livestock production is a driving force in our economy and critical to so many Hoosier communities,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in a press release announcing the grant winners. “We are proud to support these projects, as they work to cultivate and strengthen this important industry.”
“Our food system relies on the work being done by Indiana’s livestock producers,” added ISDA Director Bruce Kettler. “We’re always looking for ways to promote and add value to Indiana’s agricultural products. This grant program helps us achieve that goal.”
Though the grant provides a starting point, North Putnam chapter member Janice Fry says that more support from the community is needed to cover the costs of the event, as well as to achieve the goal of making sure that all students have an opportunity to receive a scholarship.
“I hope that people know that our agricultural community produces a great product and supports our students,” Fry said. “Students should know they are making a difference, and we want to provide a scholarship for every student in Putnam County.”
Fry estimates that $4,000 would be needed to cover the total cost of the event. Of course, more donations are greatly appreciated, as the money raised through the dinner will be divided four ways between each of the area school corporations.
The individual cost for the dinner will be $40 per person. Donors will also have opportunities for advertisement by sponsoring the event. E-mails will be sent out to potential businesses and local organizations connected with the Putnam County Community Foundation and each school corporation.
An after-dinner party hosted by the Putnam Inn is also being planned, with students from each high school serving guests in attendance.
Dollars for Scholars is a local initiative of Scholarship America, which provides scholarship resources for students and school organizations across the country.
Donations supporting Dollars for Scholars and the Farm to Fork Dinner may be sent to North Putnam High School, 8869 North County Rd. 250 E. in Roachdale.
Questions may be directed to Vivian Whitaker in Cloverdale, Alan and Mary Zerkel at North Putnam, Terri McKee with the Greencastle Alumni Association and Karen Nelson Heavin at South Putnam.
More information will be conveyed in the Banner Graphic before the event takes place. A Facebook page for the Farm to Fork Dinner will also soon be online.