A partnership between the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and the Newcastle Education Foundation prepared the way for a fundraiser last week for the annual Racers for Excellence Scholarship Program.
A luncheon, dessert Sweet Scholar Auction, and a silent auction were held at the Newcastle Public Schools’ Wellness Center, overlooking the green turf of Gene Reid Field.
Chamber CEO Gayla Riddle said the 2023 Racers for Excellence in partnership with presenting sponsor Oklahoma Energy Resources Board was a success, and the Newcastle Chamber can’t say thank you enough to everyone who came out and supported the scholarship auction and luncheon.
The annual fundraiser is in honor of Mona Brite, Cindy Frizzell and Gene Reid, “whose unwavering dedication to education and excellence continues to inspire us all,” Riddle said.
She said the scholarships in their names are hoped to make an impact on the lives of the talented and deserving students who will be chosen. Riddle said the chamber thanks its event sponsors: Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas (OERB), Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, OEC Fiber, Prime Realty, Inc.- OKC, The First National Bank & Trust Company, Newcastle Education Foundation, and Pioneer Telephone Coop.
She said they also thank the amazing scholarship committee and volunteers including Brittany Houser, Mindy Burns Bellack, Omi’s Kitchen, Scott Hannan, Ashley McDade Evans, Tiffany Elcyzyn, and Boomer Elcyzyn, Leslie Switzer, Robin Fielder, Darin Foster, Lacey England with her FCCLA students, Leslie Howard-Walker, and Lindsay Johnson.
She said the auction donors also make it all possible, as does everyone who bid on and purchased auction items.
The Racers for Excellence lunch was catered by Happy Heart Homestead and ice was provided by Shelly Woolley of American National Insurance.
