More than 3,000 low income individuals and families seek scholarships from Eugene Recreation every year. The value of those scholarships annually tops $140,000. But for many, scholarships provide access to Recreation programs that they otherwise could not afford. It’s also an important way Recreation meets the City’s goal to provide “accessible and thriving Recreation… This year, however, a smaller budget may mean Recreation cannot fulfill all the requests for scholarships.
To make sure that doesn’t happen, Eugene Parks Foundation is conducting a scholarship fundraising drive. These funds will help parents like Marci, who was able to buy a family pass at Amazon pool last year’s scholarship. “The kids loved it….” Marci said, but more importantly, “For one summer, my girls weren’t left behind.”
Many adults also depend on the scholarship program to make recreation activities affordable. Judith called the scholarship she received, “the best of the best“, adding, “being 65, I need the swimming very badly and with the scholarship, it doesn't break my pocket book.”
The Parks Foundation seeks to raise $40,000 to cover the expected volume of scholarships. A “Percentage of Sales” event was held at Hop Valley Brewery on November 11, and another will be held at Oakshire Brewery on December 3. The Foundation will also send a letter to Recreation users asking them to make a donation. For more information or to donate, visit: www.EugeneParksFoundation.org.