To the Editor:
On Tuesday, May 19th, The Villages Chapter of Dollars for Scholars had the privilege and opportunity to present 13 scholarships to 7 Wildwood and 6 Villages High School students valued at $65,000.00. These scholarships, and the $300,000.00 in total scholarships awarded in the 8 years the local chapter of Dollars for Scholars has been in existence, would not be possible without the support of our Villages Community. The Villages is commonly referred to as “America’s Friendliest Hometown”. What is less often acknowledged is the generosity daily demonstrated by and within our community. Whether it be for our hospital, our veterans, the myriad of debilitating illnesses or the young people who reside in and around our community, the spirit of “Giving Back” resonates as an example to everyone that retirement and retirees are simply the next steps in lives of generosity and caring. To each of you, in our Villages Community, who has bought a ticket to a Starry – Starry Savannah performance or written a check in support of the other Dollars for Scholars fund raising activities, may we act on behalf of the almost 100 young people who have become scholarship recipients and extend a very much deserved and sincere “Thank You” for Helping Us – Help You – Help Kids.
J.R. “Jim” Zurak, Dollars for Scholars Volunteer