Yelm’s Dollars for Scholars has been making waves by positively impacting the lives of Yelm High School students and their families. Having successfully raised and distributed over $2.9 million in scholarship awards to Yelm High School graduates, the organization is gearing up for its 29th Annual Auction and Dinner, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Lake Lawrence Community Club, 15735 Topaz Drive SE, Yelm.
The Yelm Dollars for Scholars Annual Auction and Dinner starts before the doors even open, as the event will kick off with an online auction from March 1 to March 8. The auction allows participants to bid from the comfort of their homes. The online auction is open to anyone and will be available at https://auctria.events/2024YDFSAuction.
The silent auction at the event was turned into an online auction because of COVID, Jennie Foglia-Jones, of Yelm Dollars For Scholars, said.
“We found it had more participation this way, so it hasn’t moved back to an in-person auction since it allows for a greater amount of people to bid on items," she said.
Attendees are encouraged to come as casual or semi-formal as they like. The evening will be hosted by former Yelm Mayor JW Foster, serving as the master of ceremonies, with auctioneer Danny Schorno leading the live auction.
The Masonry Cafe will provide dinner, and the 507 Taproom will host the bar, offering a selection of beer and wine. The night will feature the popular dessert dash, Bling Ring Raffle and a live auction with a variety of items, including signed memorabilia and vacation packages.
“We are enthusiastic about celebrating our 29th annual auction and advancing our mission to empower local students through education,” said Dan Huttmann, Yelm Dollars for Scholars board president. “The generosity of our community has played a pivotal role in positively impacting students’ lives, and we anticipate another successful event.”
In previous years, the live auction has featured a diverse array of items, including larger baskets, overnight stays, vacations, and unique items such as a framed jersey signed by the 2023 State Championship Yelm football team. The specific items for this year's auction are yet to be determined as donations are still being received.The funds raised during this event contribute significantly to the scholarships provided by Yelm Dollars for Scholars.
Last year, Yelm Dollars For Scholars awarded 96 scholarships, totaling $135,000.
A special feature of the night includes a student speaker and a past scholarship recipient sharing how the scholarship impacted their life. There will also be a paddle raise that allows attendees to donate directly to the cause.
With a capacity of 235 people, tickets for the event are already in high demand, with 94 already sold within the first week of opening.
“Last year, we were nearly sold out with only a couple of seats available,” Foglia-Jones said.
Yelm Dollars for Scholars encourages sponsorship opportunities, with the proceeds directly supporting the event and helping offset costs. Nearly 90% of the scholarships the organization provides are funded by this one event. Businesses in the community also play a vital role, contributing to the cause through initiatives like Taste of the Prairie.
“The kids don’t have to be going just into college,” Foglia-Jones said. “They just have to be furthering education endeavors — trade schools, apprenticeships, tools.”
The goal for this year’s event is to raise $200,000.
“I love seeing Yelm’s community come together to support the kids in a great way and see it directly impact them,” Foglia-Jones said.
For inquiries and donations, contact Foglia-Jones at jenniefogliajones@gmail.com.
