Gift will support the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County
BENTONVILLE, Ark., (May 1, 2009) –Single parents in Benton County will have more support for higher education opportunities thanks to a $4,000 donation from the Walton Family Foundation. The gift was announced today at the Corporate Partners Luncheon for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund at the Clarion Hotel in Bentonville. Arvest Bank representatives Vicki Petree, senior vice president – branch manager, and Shantell Owen, vice president – private banking, were on hand as representatives of the foundation to present the check to Jim Russell, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County.
The donation will help the Single Parent Scholarship Fund continue its scholarship program and allow the recipients to:
Enter school or prevent them from dropping out;
Cover unexpected financial burdens; and
Participate in life-skills workshops, career counseling, licensed professional counseling and tutoring.
“The funds will allow us to continue scholarships for single parents who are furthering their education,” Penner said. “Single parents will ensure a better standard of living for their family through the generosity of the foundation.”
“We are delighted to present this donation from the Walton Family Foundation to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County. This organization is changing lives.” Petree said. “The Walton Family Foundation believes education is a great investment. It’s wonderful for the parents and their children.”
About the Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation works to support initiatives that honor the values and principles of Sam and Helen Walton. The Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others. Major areas of focus include: K-12 education reform, economic development in the Delta Region of Arkansas and Mississippi, conservation of sensitive marine and freshwater environments, and enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. For more information, go to www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org.
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(from left): Shantell Owen; Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe, founder of the program; and Vicki Petree