Donors attending the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Racers for Excellence scholarship luncheon at Newcastle High School Tuesday, February 27 left with the sugary taste of chocolate and other decadent sweets on their palate, and also the sweet knowledge that they had helped future NHS college students.
The Racers for Excellence fundraiser is a way for the chamber members to show their unwavering commitment to education, said Chamber Executive Director/CEO Gayla Riddle. To raise money, desserts are donated for both a tasting and a silent auction. Attendees can pay a fee and taste all the desserts they want. The desserts are accompanied by other silent auction items that are donated by area businesses and individuals.
The proceeds made from the event go to scholarships for Newcastle High School students who will be attending college the next year. There are normally three scholarships provided by the chamber. They are named after community members Mona Brite, Cindy Frizzell, and Gene Reid, all of whom were in attendance at the Newcastle High School Field House and Wellness Center for the luncheon this year.
Last year’s fundraiser raised enough money to provide a fourth scholarship. Recipients were: Tyler Scagnetti, Landen Goldston, Kyla Martinez, and Zehra Hafeez.
The chamber wants the local residents to know that events such as this are not successful without the help of many people and supporters.
Volunteers responsible for putting their time, energy and passion into the luncheon, according to Riddle, are scholarship chair Brittany Houser of The First National Bank & Trust, Boomer and Tiffany Elcyzyn of Prime Realty, Robin Fielder and Homas Foster of Pioneer, Adriana Guardado of Cames Tacos and 5 Estrella’s Destinations, Mindy Bellack of Frontline Family Solutions, and Patti Manness of Manness Vet Services and The Barn at Country Club.
Riddle said the chamber also thanks all those who were in attendance at the luncheon and took part in the tasting and auction.
“Your presence and support are a testament to the belief in the power of education and the importance of investing in the future,” she said.
Main sponsors for the luncheon were presenting sponsor Pioneer, event sponsor Chickasaw Nation, meat sponsor Focus Federal Credit Union, meal sponsor Legacy Bank, meal sponsor OEC and OEC Fiber, beverage sponsor Physical Therapy Central, and tasting and decor sponsor The First National Bank & Trust. In total, there were 50 sponsors.
Riddle said the Racers for Excellence event could not be possible without the sponsors.
