Community Foundation establishes new WHS scholarship fund

WASHINGTON — The Community Foundation of Washington County (CFWC), working together with local donors and organizations established several new endowment funds in 2021.

These funds will provide permanent support to local organizations and causes. One of these funds will establish a new scholarship for 2022 Washington High School graduating seniors.

The Central Park Senior Center was established as a nonprofit organization in 1999. Their home was a storefront on the south side of the Washington Square.

Many local citizens raised funds to purchase the building and this center was the location for many bingo suppers and other fundraisers. The center was rented out to organizations and individuals for meetings and events. Max Cousins, longtime Washington teacher and coach used the space to tutor many math students.

Recently, the Central Park Senior Center on the south side of Washington’s square closed, the members sold their building and shut down their organization.

The remaining members’ wish was to take the money from the sale of the building and use it to establish college scholarships for needy and deserving Washington High School graduating seniors.

Millie Youngquist, executive director of the Community Foundation of Washington County, heard of their situation and made the connections with other groups in the community to make the donors’ wish a reality.

The proceeds from the sale of the building have been invested in a permanent endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County. This spring, the Central Park Senior Center Scholarship will be awarded to WHS Class of 2022 college-bound students based on their financial need.

“This situation is a perfect example of how the community foundation can work with individuals and connect them to causes they care about.” Youngquist said. “Because of the generosity of these donors, scholarships will be awarded and educational dreams can be achieved for generations to come.

“If anyone has dreams or ideas about helping nonprofit causes in Washington County, I encourage them to talk to me to see what is possible.”

For more information about how to contribute to this new scholarship fund, go to the CFWC’s website: www.cfwashingtoncounty.org.

For information about the CFWC, interested people may contact Youngquist at cfwashingtoncounty@gmail.com or by calling 319-653-4673.