The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Education Foundation continues to pay dividends
By Terry Jacoby, The Chelsea Standard
PUBLISHED: February 15, 2007
The "perfect storm is arriving" for the Chelsea School District, according to Owen Ballow, president of the Chelsea Education Foundation. But don't think Ballow and his foundation are jumping ship.
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The Chelsea Education Foundation is planning to do even more to help Chelsea schools deal with the ever-growing financial crisis facing many districts in the state. Money shouldn't be an obstacle when it comes to a first-rate education.
Former Chelsea School District Superintendent Joe Piasecki began the foundation 16 years ago in an effort to enhance the educational opportunities available to members of the Chelsea Community. "We are a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that raises funds to impact the Chelsea School District and community," said Ballow, who is serving a three-year term as the foundation's president.
Ballow says the foundation provides help in three areas.
"The first is to provide grants to the school district for guest speakers, field trips and special projects that they just don't have the resources to pay for but are important to our students education," he said. "The second is to provide scholarships for our students going on to college. Last year we had 66 applicants apply for scholarships and were able to award $37,000 to 49 students. And most of the students who didn't get assistance had applied for just one scholarship that we only award to one person."
The majority of the scholarships offered are divided into categories including culinary arts, automotive technology, science, engineering and nursing. Students can apply for scholarships depending on what field they plan to study in college and each scholarship has specific requirements for eligibility.
"The third area is to provide grants for other activities such as preschool programs and at the senior center," Ballow said. "In the past year, we have invested more than $50,000 of our contributors' money in these worthy endeavors."
Members of the working board of volunteer trustees are each rooted in the Chelsea community.
"We include members of the business community, Board of Education, school administration and staff and area residents." Ballow said. "We're each committed to making sure that Chelsea remains a fertile ground for learning for everyone in our community."
To help achieve this goal the foundation is hosting its annual gala on Feb. 24 at Reddeman Farms Golf and Country Club. This one event raises more than half of the foundation's charitable funds. This year's gala will include a silent and live auction, drawings, strolling dinner and cocktails followed by music and dancing.
"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have faithfully supported us in the past," Ballow said. "We hope that this year is no exception and that we can continue to provide excellent educational opportunities to the Chelsea community through the Chelsea Education Foundation."
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