Oconeefest will raise funds for scholarships
Article By: Denise Ray
The Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser will be held on Oct. 20 at the University of North Georgia (UNG) Oconee Campus. Oconeefest is the signature event for the Oconee campus, and it is also the main scholarship fundraiser for the campus.
"Jazz and Low Country Boil on the Lawn" is the ninth annual event that benefits UNG students, and it runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The evening will have live music from the UNG jazz ensemble, food, fun, and a silent auction. Guests will also hear from UNG President Bonita Jacobs. Students who have received scholarships in the past will share the impact the funding has had on their education.
"I think it's important for donors, whether they have historically been giving and supporting or if they're new supporters of the Oconee Scholarship fund, get to hear and see where their gifts are going," Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president of regional campus administration, said. "So we are asking that everyone who attends come with a generous heart."
I think it's important for donors, whether they have historically been giving and supporting or if they're new supporters of the Oconee Scholarship fund, get to hear and see where their gifts are going.
Jennifer Herring
special assistant to UNG vice president of regional campus administration
The scholarships relieve the financial burden of students who are attending college and working toward a brighter future. Funds may be used to cover the cost of attendance, Herring said.
"The hope is always that we can mitigate expenses of putting on the event by working with our local community partners and finding vendors who are willing to donate services, time, and different things so that more funds can go to scholarships," Herring said. "Our goal for this year for Oconeefest is to raise $25,000."
Due to the pandemic restrictions of previous years, the 2022 planning committee wanted the event to be an opportunity for people to be able to connect and socialize in a relaxed environment.
Oconee has two scholarship funds that are supported by this fundraiser. One supports students who attend UNG's Oconee Campus and another supports Oconee County residents who attend any UNG campus, Herring said.
The presenting sponsors for the event are Piedmont Athens Regional and Peach State Federal Credit Union.
Herring said Peach State Federal Credit Union's "continued support and engagement are part of why we are able to continue this event and it be as successful as it is."
"We feel very strongly that education is a progressive endeavor and not all paths to completion are the same. UNG's Oconee Campus is a critical component of the process for students to succeed in completing their journey of reaching their individual goals of higher education," Ryan Hawk, executive director of Peach State Federal Credit Union Board and director of community outreach, said. "We are very excited to continue our long standing support of UNG's Oconee Campus for years into the future."
The event is free, but the public is asked to RSVP to Savannah Plumly at savannah.plumly@ung.edu or 678-717-3927 by Oct. 14 and anyone wanting to learn more about sponsorships and donations is encouraged to reach out to Plumly.
Founded in 1873, UNG is celebrating 150 years of scholarship, leadership, and service this academic year. The Sesquicentennial Celebration honors UNG's legacy of producing outstanding civic, professional and military leaders who serve throughout Georgia and beyond.
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