Volume 96 Number 35
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity
ISSN —07458800
SPJST Scholarship Program Seeks Applicants
One of the many benefits SPJST offers to its members is the Scholarship Program. In 2008, 35 General Scholarships and 10 Leadership Grants were awarded. In addition, at the 2008 State Youth Achievement Day, five District Merit Grants, one State Merit Grant, and two Royalty Grants were awarded for a total of 53 scholarships and grants presented for the year. Since the program’s inception, more than $1 million has been awarded. G e n e r a l Scholarships are funded through SPJST’s annual allocation, through voluntary contributions received from our 100 Pennies Drive, and
memorial donations received throughout the year. The number of scholarships given each year depends on how much we receive in donations and the annual allocation already in force. Donations are tax deductible. Applications for scholarships are sent out from September through January upon request. The Fraternal Department must receive the completed application and all required information by February 1, 2009. Recipients are announced sometime during the month of April. The following scholarships are available through the scholarship program:
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Brotherhood
September 3, 2008
When someone’s in need, Lodge 139, Danbury member Monte Baldwin puts himself at the center of the auction
Answering the Call By Meredith Amos • The Facts
As Monte Baldwin works the room, driving the price of auction items higher and higher with his quick tongue and even quicker wit, no one would ever guess he is a reluctant public speaker. “I can stand up there and auction all day long,” he said, “but when it comes to giving a speech or emceeing an event, I just freeze up.” He picked up the auctioneering trade as a child, tagging along with his grandfather, a rancher and cattle buyer, to auctions in Rosharon. He would sit just below the podium, enthralled with the m i l e - a minute announcing. Today, he’s the auctioneer, raising tens of thousands for non-profit groups and individuals going through tough times. “I think I get more out of it than the people do,” he said. “I get this feeling, this unbelievable feeling, walking out of there knowing that I helped to raise $20,000 or $30,000 for someone that really needs it.” Last month, Baldwin called an auction in Brazoria at Rabbit’s Bar and Grill that raised $25,000 for the Gilliam family, who has been struggling to pay for their infant son Braden’s medical expenses. Baldwin met with Braden’s moth-
er, Amber Gilliam, after the fundraiser. “When she came up and hugged my neck and thanked me for the help, I felt like a king,” he said. Braden has since returned home and is doing well, Amber Gilliam said, and the extra help has gone a long way toward paying for his treatment. She said it was Baldwin’s skills as an auctioneer — garnering high bids on furniture, barbecue pits and gift certificates — that made all the difference, “He was so nice, and did a good job,” Gilliam said. “And the money has been a huge help.” In February, he oversaw the Danbury American Legion auction, which raised $8,900 — three times what the event usually collects. American Legion member Larry Townsend, too, gives Baldwin credit for the difference. “He did such a super job,” said Townsend, who nominated Baldwin as Citizen of the Year. “We’re going to bring him into the loop every year. He just has this ability to warm the crowd with his own brand of comical jeering.” He said he watched Baldwin draw attention to bidders with jokes and
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Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Interest Rates ......................................3 Family Fun Dates ................................3 Financial Statement ............................4 Sales Agent Class Schedule ..............4 District News .......................................6 Lodge Section ....................................8
Reunions ............................................19 In Memoriam ......................................19 Youth...................................................22 Czech Culture ....................................25 Advertisements ............................28-29 Activities Calendar.......................30-31
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Lodge 9 Snook member named NFCA MVP
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Lodge 84 Dallas honors members
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Lodge 25 Ennis Youth Club ice cream social scenes