Mardi Gras to raise funds for Three Oaks STRIVE program
Action begins at Silver Fox on Thursday
“Rather than having criteria based solely on high grades as with most scholarships, STRIVE looks at efforts to improve. A student can show a move from Ds to Cs, and still emerge with a meaningful entrance scholarship.” Rotarian Heather Matheson
The sport of curling and education will come together this week.
This year’s NAPA Provincial Auto Parts/Summerside Rotary Mardi Gras funspiel, which will take place at the Silver Fox in Summerside, will raise funds for the Three Oaks STRIVE Program.
The STRIVE scholarship program recognizes students who show significant improvement in overall performance in their senior year of high school, and plan to go to a post-secondary institution after graduation.
“Rather than having criteria based solely on high grades as with most scholarships, STRIVE looks at efforts to improve,” explained Rotarian Heather Matheson, who chairs the STRIVE committee. “A student can show a move from Ds to Cs, and still emerge with a meaningful entrance scholarship.” Neil MacLean, owner of NAPA Provincial Auto Parts, is proud to have supported the Mardi Gras event for 30 years, and is especially delighted to be associated with both the STRIVE program and Rotary Club of Summerside.
“Our company believes education is critical to the future of our community’s youth, and partnering with Rotary to support both STRIVE and the Mardi Gras funspiel is a great way to combine the fun of curling with the importance of helping students.”
Rotarian Paul Power says the Mardi Gras isn’t a typical bonspiel.
“It’s not competitive, so it’s perfect for people who just love curling, or for people who have only curled a few times, or just want to learn,” said Power. “All you need is four people who want to have a good time.” Among the highlights of the funspiel are a draw to the button, which could see one lucky curler walk away with $50,000 in cash; Saturday dress-up day, and a hip of beef buffet and prizes.
Anyone wanting to enter a team can do so by contacting the Silver Fox.