• April 2018 • 7
COMMUNITY
THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION AWARDS $180,000 IN EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE YOUTH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
D
uring Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s (BGCS) annual Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball gala, Bob and Renee Parsons surprised the audience by awarding educational scholarships to all eight Youth of the Year finalists. Youth of the Year is a national program run by Boys & Girls Clubs of America that honors leadership, exceptional academic performance and service in the community. “Education can play a crucial role in changing a life,” said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Renee and I believe that everyone deserves the chance to pursue higher education, and we’re happy to open that door for these outstanding Youth of the Year finalists.” During the event, Marena Sever from the Thunderbirds Branch was awarded the top honor and named the 2018 BGCS Youth of the Year. Celebrating her achievement, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation granted Marena a $40,000 scholarship. All remaining finalists were also awarded $20,000 scholarships from the Parsons Foundation, some of whom were not sure how they would pay for a college education. “I am overwhelmed and so thankful for this entire experience,” said Sever. “The generosity of the Parsons will make it possible for me to attend my dream school and study political science.”
Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball is the signature fundraiser for the youth development organization, which includes silent and live auctions, paddle raisers and various raffles. Throughout the evening, Youth of the Year finalists from eight of the BGCS branch locations presented their stories of triumph and transformation to the more than 700 in attendance. The 2018 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year will go on to compete at the state level with the potential to move onto regional and national competitions. “The scholarships are about giving students the opportunity to follow their dreams,” said businesswomen and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “It was inspiring to watch the presentations from the Youth of the Year finalists, and we wish them luck as they take the next step in their journey to a better future.” This is the second year in a row that the Parsons have made impromptu scholarship gifts to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s Youth of the Year finalists. In addition to $180,000 in scholarship funds this year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation also gave $200,000 through live auction items and other donations.
tremendous potential, and we know that children who attend a Boys & Girls Club are more inclined to pursue higher education. These scholarships will be life changing for our teens.” Research has shown that the more time youth spend at a Boys & Girls Club, the more connected they
FREE ADMISSION
feel to school and the greater their post-secondary aspirations become. Thousands of youth walk through the door of a Boys & Girls Club every day, where they are prepared to become 21st-century leaders, globally competitive graduates, innovative dream-makers and healthy game-changers. To learn more visit: www.bgcs.org.
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“We are so grateful for the continued support of Bob and Renee Parsons,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, BGCS President & CEO. “All of our youth have
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