We have great ways to get engaged in support of strengthening the communities where high school graduates will one day live and work! Whether applying for a scholarship or supporting one through fund-raising activities, there are a number of opportunities for engagement.
Each year, Hermann Sons grants more than $15,000 in scholarships for higher education to high school graduating seniors. This is done through local lodge scholarship programs, the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund and the Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund.
The Retirement Home Scholarship Fund awards five $1,500 scholarships to one student from each of five regions. Applicants must be members for a minimum of five years and have certificate and lodge dues in good standing on the date of application. One aspect that makes this scholarship unique is that high school grades have no bearing on the selection of recipients; it is only the students’ desire to better themselves that counts.
The Retirement Home residents and staff work very hard for the success of this Scholarship Fund. Each year, they host a Chili and Bean Cook-off on the Retirement Home grounds in Comfort to raise money for the scholarships they award.
If you have never experienced this event, I highly recommend checking it out! This year it will be held on Saturday, March 11. The cost to enter is $15 for amateurs and $20 for CASI sanctioned cooks. Everyone pays $10 to enter the bean competition. No preregistration is required; you can just show up on the day of the event and get ready to cook! You can even enter the showmanship contest. A prize drawing with great items is held in conjunction with the cook-off. Tickets are sold in advance and at the event, so if you can’t attend, consider supporting the fund by purchasing a ticket.
In addition to the cook-off, residents have a store open year-round. Make a donation and get a neat treat that will benefit the Scholarship Fund.
With questions about the scholarship program, how to make a donation or how to get involved in the cook-off, call 830-995-2724.
The Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund was founded in memory of Shannon Leigh Gaffney, a former camper and counselor who passed away in 1998 at the age of 21 after losing her battle with leukemia. Shannon exemplified the spirit of Camp and that spirit lives on in the many campers whose lives she influenced. Shannon was passionate about higher education, so this fund is a fitting tribute to her memory. Each year, three $1,000 scholarships are awarded to past campers who are current members.
This fund is classified as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, so donations are tax-deductible. Two major fund-raisers are held each year for this fund. The annual golf tournament is being held at Northern Hills Golf Club in San Antonio on Saturday, April 1. Cost to enter is $95 per player or $380 per team. You can register online. A prize drawing is held in conjunction with this tournament. Just like the Retirement Home’s drawing, if you cannot support the fund by participating in one of the fund-raisers, consider purchasing a prize drawing ticket or making a donation. The second fund-raiser is a bowl-a-thon. This year it will be held at Oak Hills Lanes in San Antonio on Saturday, Aug. 5. Cost is $35 per player or $175 per team. You can also register for this event online. It is held on the last day of Camp and many of the Camp staff members bowl at the event.
At both events, you will see Shannon’s family and friends, Camp administration and Home Office representatives. They all are proud to be a part of these events and to share in fellowship for a great cause.
In addition to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund and the Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund, numerous local lodges have their own scholarship programs. You can check Hermann Sons Life or contact your lodge president to inquire about scholarship opportunities. Often times, these same local lodges have fund-raisers to pay for the scholarships they award.
Cooking, shopping, golfing, bowling, entering drawings – there is something for almost everyone! If you’ve attended one of these events, we would love for you to share your experiences in the comments below.
It’s a great time to be a part of Hermann Sons and a great time to apply for a scholarship if you’re a high school graduating senior! The Retirement Home Scholarship application and the Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship application are both online. The deadlines are April 1 and March 1, respectively.