PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Rotary Club will host a midday fundraiser Wednesday to promote its new program to help marginal high school students stay in school and graduate.
Through the “Black Tie” program, the sponsoring noon Rotary Club hopes to raise participating students’ grade-point averages to levels that allow them to graduate through tutoring, mentoring and positive reinforcement, said Chuck Hatten, a Rotarian and Black Tie leader.
“Many of our students are on a fine line between being successful in school and in life and falling through the cracks,” said Hatten, who is also the Port Angeles Rotary Club’s vice president.
“Without our encouragement and assistance, many of these students will give up trying and will not achieve their full potential.”
90-minute luncheon
Wednesday’s 90-minute luncheon fundraiser will start at noon at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant, 221 N. Lincoln St.
Students, parents, tutors, all Rotarians, civic and school leaders and community members are invited, Hatten said.
Tickets for prize drawings will be sold for $5 each.
More $2,200 in prizes will be drawn for near the end of the meeting.
The cost of the buffet luncheon itself is $13, payable at the door.
The club and its accompanying Port Angeles Rotary Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to academically gifted high school graduates for many years, Hatten noted.
Struggling students
The Rotary’s new Black Tie program recognizes academic achievement by high school students who increased their grade-point average to at least a passing grade during the school year.
“The objective is to promote and motivate students to continue their education and complete high school,” Hatten said.
“The program also encourages each student to continue learning through a trade center, two-year or four-year college.
“We owe it to them, their parents and our community to provide them with the guidance required so that they have an opportunity to be successful,” Hatten said.
The focus of Wednesday’s luncheon fundraiser will be to increase awareness, build support and raise funds to continue Black Tie, he added.
More information about Wednesday’s Black Tie luncheon is available by phoning club President Steve Methner at 360-460-7356.
