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Women Legislators of Missouri raise $10K for scholarships

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A group of women lawmakers and those encouraging females in government far exceeded their scholarship fundraising goal at their annual event.

On Tuesday, the Women Legislators of Missouri raised more than $10,000 for scholarship funds for high school seniors. The amount raised far exceeded the goal of $4,000 to fund eight, $500 scholarships. In fact, the Scholarship Finance Committee noted that the amount raised set a record.

“I am so proud to have played a role in this event which raised more money and now we can offer larger scholarships,” said Rep. Donna Baringer, who is part of the Scholarship Finance Committee.

Others on that committee include Reps. Gretchen Bangert, Ann Kelley, Cora Faith Walker, Tracy McCreery, and Mary Elizabeth Coleman. Currently, the Women Legislators of Missouri is chaired by Rep. Patricia Pike with Walker serving as vice-chair.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers and interested parties turned out to raise money for the scholarships. Every year since 1996, the Women Legislators of Missouri sponsors eight scholarships across the state, one from each Congressional District.

The event consisted of a variety of activities including a silent and a live auction. A horticulture activity and demonstration led by Jamie Kidd, a horticulturist who is married to Rep. Bill Kidd, was also part of the event. Kidd, with the help of Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, designed two large winter patio displays that were part of the live auction.

Madison’s Café donated fresh tossed salad and bread for the event, Kelley provided homemade desserts, and the pasta and jambalaya was donated by Rep. Vic Allred and Jazz, a Louisiana Kitchen.

“It event was wonderful,” said Bangert. “It was a great group of people coming together, from both sides of the aisle. Everyone had such a great time…and we raised a lot of money for students.”

Female students in Missouri that are graduating high school interested in applying for the scholarship should visit www.scholarshipcentral.org, complete the general application and then apply to the Women Legislators of Missouri Scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2019, with winners being announced on March 22. There will be an award presentation in the House chamber on April 15, 2019.