About
Since 1983, the foundation this organization has worked tirelessly to provide scholarships for VVS students seeking to continue their education. All of the scholarship funding is locally raised from individuals, area businesses, civic organizations, charitable groups and families. Nearly $1.5 million has been raised and given in scholarships to about 1,800 VVS students to date.
Mission
Our mission is accomplished in two ways:
Through Scholarships. We award college scholarships to high-achieving students in the VVS School District.
Through Education Grants. We provide funds to enhance and support educational opportunities and projects at all grade levels in the VVS District—elementary, middle school and high school.
History
For over 20 years, the VVS Dollars for Scholars organization ran under the guidance of Scholarship America. In 2014, our Board recognized changes in Scholarship America's direction and decided to separate from this national association and keep our group focused on our local community. This inspired us to merge with an existing non-profit organization to create unique scholarship and grant opportunities for the VVS community. Today, we are the VVS Education Foundation!
This unique and remarkable achievement represents the very best of many aspects of our community. All of the money we have distributed is locally raised. We draw from local businesses, civic organizations, charitable groups and individual families from our area. It is a privilege to work with such generous people who truly appreciate the academic efforts and aspirations of our students. We are sincerely honored to serve families in remembering loved ones through ongoing memorial scholarships. To be afforded the trust to assist families in this very special way is a very important responsibility for our organization.
VVS Dollars For Scholars has been blessed with a highly dedicated and hard working volunteer group. In all aspects of our operation -- from selecting scholarship recipients to overseeing our finances -- we impose the highest standards of ethics and management.
All of our efforts are rewarded by the accomplishments of the students we serve. The success of former VVS students is remarkable and their far-reaching record of achievement and contribution is inspirational.
We began in 1983 -- through the inspiration and dream of our founder, Tom Bellinger. His leadership and wisdom set us on this road to success. We would like to thank everyone who has supported the organization over the past 28 years. $1,000,000 to local students is a great achievement, but far from the conclusion of an effort that will extend -- hopefully for generations and millions of dollars more for deserving students.
- Jerry Getman, former President