Optimist Scholarship Fund
Every year since 1989, the Palisades Optimist Foundation has given scholarships to college-bound seniors at Pacific Palisades High School who need financial assistance. Thanks to generous donations from the community last spring, we were able to give $2,000 cash grants to five outstanding students who had overcome significant personal and financial obstacles. This set a new milestone for our philanthropy and made us the largest single source of scholarships at the school.
With June graduation now in sight, we are asking for your generosity as we strive to hand out as many $2,000 grants as possible. You can be confident that the students we select will have succeeded both in their academics and in their activities giving to the community, and that they appreciate the financial boost we provide as they struggle to pay for their various out-of-pocket costs.
Please help us grow our scholarship fund by making a tax-deductible donation in any amount. We are an all-volunteer Palisades organization with 100% of your donation going to the scholarships or the endowment supporting the scholarships. You can send a check payable to the Palisades Optimist Foundation or use a credit card to make a secure donation by clicking on the "Donate Now!" button above. We are an approved 501(c)(3) charity.
Thank you in advance for your financial support.
The Palisades Optimist Foundation awarded $2,000 scholarships to six deserving Pali High graduating students who have overcome challenges on their way to graduation and show great potential for future educational success. Pictured left to right: Board members Dan Ackerman and Don Scott, Scholarship winners Katya Pronichenko - Dartmouth, Adriana Lupercio - UC Berkeley, Laura Russel - Cal Poly, Madison Centeno - Cal State Long Beach, Wendy Cano - Lewis & Clark, Lizbeth Monterrubio - Cal State Chico, and Board member Rich Wilken. In addition, the Optimists also awarded $1,500 to Pali High's College Center to give out small grants called the "Suitcase Fund," originated by Club member Sue Pascoe, to other college bound students who may need additional financial assistance with travel, winter clothing or dorm supply costs. The Club and Foundation wish to thank you for your most generous donations that made this year's scholarship awards a success.
Greatly Appreciated,
Rich Wilken
A Letter From One of Our Winners:
