Applications now being sought for Beach Kids Foundation scholarship
The Beach Kids Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship awards.
The application for the school year 2019 to 2020 can be sought by contacting (239) 980-0661, emailing beachkidsfoundation@gmail.com, or stopping by the Red Coconut RV Park, 3001 Estero Blvd., or Century 21 TriPower Realty, 2001 Estero Blvd.
The application includes personal information, as well as the name and complete address of the school, institution, or educational course/training program the applicant plans to attend, references and an essay that shares a personal story of a challenge, setback or failure and how one learned from that experience.
Beach Kids Foundation President Linda Beasley said the applicant’s community involvement is important, as well as what they have accomplished and what their goals are, as well as what they want to become, and study.
“Some of the kids applications brings tears to our eyes . . . what these kids can become . . . we are so proud,” she said. “I’m very proud of the Beach kids. My husband and son went to the Beach School, so I had two generations (go there).”
Beasley said the applicant has to be enrolled in a school, or institution at the time they apply.
“They have to be a beach kid, or their parents have to be employed on the beach,” she said. “Every year we have kids reapply, the first year (of school) through the fourth year.”
The students who received a scholarship last year will receive an email letting them know applications are now being accepted for this year.
“We are a foundation for the Beach Elementary kids. Last year we gave out $18,000 in scholarships. Eighteen kids applied,” Beasley said.
This year the deadline is May 31 by 5 p.m. with the award ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Lani Kai Island View
The completed application can be sent to Beach Kids Foundation, 2801 Estero Blvd., Suite B, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.
Beasley said the Beach Kids Foundation kicks off the year with the Golden Coconut Awards in February, an award given to teachers of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Easter baskets are given to the children at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School in April by the foundation.
She said the biggest event is Spirit of the Holidays, which will be held at DiamondHead on Dec. 4. Last year the sit down dinner, auction and silent auction, attracted 160 people.
Around the holidays the foundation also pairs up with the fire department and Santa Claus to deliver presents to children in need on the beach.
A pancake breakfast is also held with the firemen at the Red Coconut as a fundraiser for the foundation.
“It’s a great board, great organization. I’ve been on the board for over 20 years. I just became the president. This is my second year. I love it,” Beasley said.
Tracey Gore, who is a volunteer for the foundation, said she loves providing her time because it is so important to do anything for the island, especially if it is going to benefit the children and the families of the island.
“All year the Beach Kids Foundation helps where we can. The school lets us know if there is a special need for an island family, maybe a mattress, or warm coats, shoes, whatever it is, the board members, make sure the needs get taken care of,” she said.