Scholarship formed in memory of Mike Orris

WASHINGTON - The family and friends of Mike Orris and the Washington County Fair Association recently made generous donations to create a new endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County to provide for an annual scholarship. The first scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a member of the graduating Class of 2020 who has been a participant in Washington 4H or FFA for 4 years.

Mike Orris, a longtime community member, veteran and volunteer member of the Washington Fair Board for 50+ years passed away this past summer at the age of 92. 'They don't make volunteers like Mike anymore,” said Fair Board member, Jarrod Horning. 'He has had a huge impact on our organization over the past 50+ years.” When the Fair Association was approached by Mike's family to create this fund, they were immediately onboard with the idea.

'The Community Foundation is uniquely capable of creating a fund such as this,” said Executive Director, Millie Youngquist. 'Our whole purpose is to create permanent endowment funds that continue providing money to support local nonprofits and their causes. We are especially honored to create a fund in the memory of such a community leader and volunteer.”

Donations of any amount to this fund qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit, a program giving donors a state tax credit of 25% of the amount of their donation. Individuals interested in making a donation to this fund may donate by writing a check to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, writing 'Mike Orris Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, and mailing it to: The Community Foundation of Washington County, Attn: Millie Youngquist, 831 South 13th Ave., Washington, IA 52353.

Scholarship application forms are available on the Fair Association website: washingtoncountyfairia.com and the Community Foundation of Washington County's website: cfwashingtoncounty.org. Applications also will be available from area high school guidance counselors and FFA advisers and at the Washington County Extension Office.

The Community Foundation of Washington County was formed in 2006 and is an affiliate of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The Community Foundation of Washington County works together with many individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish endowment funds that provide grant awards for years to come. If you are interested in finding out more about the Community Foundation of Washington County, contact Millie Youngquist, Executive Director at: cfwashingtoncounty@gmail.com0127.