Luncheon, tasty auction treats help raise scholarship money to help raise Racers to next level
Apush to raise more money for scholarships for Newcastle High School seniors has been successful.
The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce held its Racers for Excellence Scholarship luncheon and Dessert Auction on Tuesday, March 25. It raised $6,500 — 2,000 more than in previous years.
The winner, however, is not the Chamber. It is the fortunate Newcastle High School seniors who will be named recipients of the scholarships being awarded.
An application process is underway and the Chamber gives out annually at least four scholarships in the names of local residents Gene Reid, Patti Manness, Cindy Frizzell, and Mona Brite.
The Racers for Excellence luncheon was held at The Barn at Country Club on a temperate Spring day. The doors remained open, providing a cool breeze to the expansive second-story of the gathering venue.
Sugar-filled treats sat upon tables around the room for a silent auction, with its timeline and pending closing being announced by Newcastle resident Gerald “Boomer” Elcyzyn.
A potato bar catered by Creek Bottom Burgers was provided for lunch.
Pioneer Coop was the event’s presenting sponsor. The Chickasaw Nation sponsored the auction, OEC/OEC Fiber and Legacy Bank were the meal sponsors. Physical Therapy Central was the beverage sponsor, The First National Bank & Trust sponsored the tasting (desserts).
Focus Federal Credit Union was the decor sponsor, and The Barn at Country Club sponsored the venue.
Chamber Chief Executive Officer Gayla Riddle said the Racers for Excellence was only successful because of the many people who helped.
“The Chamber and community members showed up, baked, donated and bid to make this event successful,” she said.
EXCELLENCE: Volunteers thanked
Riddle said the main driving force behind the success was Ella Murguia, Linda Eyler, and Robin Fielder, who are all on the Chamber’s Scholar Committee, along with the help of Madalyn Heathco. They are joined by committee members Brittany Houser, Patti Maness and Tiffany Elcyzyn.
“Their hard work behind the scenes makes this event possible and we could not do this without them,” Riddle said.
She also said the Chamber Ambassadors assisted the Scholar Committee. They are: Abbigail Cabello, Adriana and Abe Guardado, Alicia Anthony, Heather Justine, Mindy Bellack, Jayna Kinnamon, Michael Edmonds, Robin Fielder and Stephanie Branscum.
Finally, Riddle said she wants to thank Cheryl Hendricks of the Blanchard Chamber of Commerce.
Riddle said, “She shows up every time and helps at this event as well as at our banquet, not just as a guest, but also she rolls up her sleeves and works from the beginning to end.”
Cabello told those attending, “Your steadfast support and dedication to the cause of education has been the driving force behind the success of this event. Your generosity has made it possible for us to create opportunities for our deserving high school students.
“To our bakers, auction donors, monetary donors, and attendees today, thank you. This event is a celebration of your generosity, community spirit, and unwavering commitment to education.”
An announcement of who the scholarship recipients are will be made later this year.
