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Since 1996, the Tumwater Education Foundation (TEF) has offered each year’s graduating class (students and parents) from both high schools the opportunity to plan a scholarship fundraiser. The proceeds from this event have been awarded as scholarships to the students who worked on the event. Plans begin the year prior to graduation, with the event taking place in early November each year. The event has traditionally been a dinner and auction. For many years, the event raised over $20,000 for scholarships.

TEF supported this effort by providing resources – our tax-exempt status, a place to meet, equipment, supplies, computers, funds for deposits, etc. As you may guess, it takes a great deal of volunteer effort to organize a successful event. For the last several years, we have seen a decline in all areas – the number of student/parent volunteers, donations and attendees at the event, all of which affect the amount of money available for scholarships.

After much discussion, TEF Board members have made the difficult decision to suspend scholarship fundraising for this year. Sometime in early 2014, we plan to convene a meeting to discuss possible alternatives for fundraising for scholarships.

If you have questions, or fundraising ideas to share, please contact Mary Henley, TEF Auction Liaison, at 360/280-7681 or MaryH@tefteam.org