Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, hosted the 9th Annual New Car Scholarship Fundraiser luncheon yesterday where the winners of a new car and cash prizes were announced.The 9th Annual Estrella Rotary Foundation, Inc. and West Valley Auto Alliance New Car Scholarship Fundraiser kicked off in February to benefit the scholarship programs of Estrella Mountain Community College and the Estrella Rotary Foundation, Inc.
In partnership with Avondale Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep; Gateway Chevrolet; Tom Jones Ford, Inc.; and Yates Buick Pontiac GMC, Mia Collins of Goodyear was drawn to receive a new car from one of the four dealerships. In an impromptu speaker-phone conversation from the room where the luncheon was held, with more than 100 people in attendance, Collins excitedly announced that the new car would be a high school graduation gift to her son. This year's options include 2008 models; Dodge Nitro R/T; Ford Edge SEL; Chevy Aveo and HHR package; or Pontiac Solstice GXP. The second and third place winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000 and $500.
Maria Reyes, director of institutional development and corporate relations for Estrella Mountain, recognized all of the generous donors who helped organize the fundraiser and purchased tickets. "This fundraiser not only impacts west valley students, but plays a critical role in securing the future of the Estrella Mountain scholarship endowment so we can continue to award scholarships to students who hope to further their education, but might not have the resources to do so," she said. In the last nine years that the college has partnered with the rotary on this project, the rotary has donated more than $385,000 to the college as a result of this fundraiser. Those funds have been used to both grow the college's scholarship endowment, currently at more than $850,000, and awarded more than 150 scholarships to EMCC students. The rotary has also been able to award more than 200 scholarships to west valley high school students as a result of the fundraiser.
One of this year's recipients also spoke at the event. David Ireland, an education major, discussed how he will reach his goals as a result of the scholarship. "I have two goals," he started, "One has always been to go to college, and the other is to become a teacher. Because of this scholarship, I'll be able to achieve both, and give back to the community as these members of the community have given back to me and my future students."