23 Aug 7th Annual Waldhauer Tournament raises nearly $40,000
Nearly $40,000 was raised during the 7th annual Lisa Waldhauer Memorial dinner, auction and golf tournament August 11 and 12. Proceeds from the tournament will be placed in the Waldhauer Education Fund which was established in August 2006 in memory of Lisa Waldhauer, former MHS American Government teacher.
Each year, the Waldhauer Education committee selects programs focused on education and development of children in McPherson. During the Waldhauer Hour in the Fall of 2012, Barbara Coloroso, internationally recognized speaker and author in the areas of parenting, teaching, school discipline, non-violent conflict resolution and reconciliatory justice. She is an educational consultant for school districts, the medical and business community, the criminal justice system and other educational associations around the world.
During her presentation, Ms. Coloroso spoke with McPherson Middle and High school students on how to recognize bullies who terrorize, bullied kids who are afraid to tell, bystanders who watch, and adults who see the incidents as a normal part of childhood. In addition to the students, the entire USD 418 staff participated in workshop illustrating the tools to break the cycle of violence.
In addition to the Waldhauer Hour, the fund has sponsored the SPE Plasti-Van program for McPherson Middle School students every two years. The SPE PlastiVan™ program is an internationally acclaimed educational program geared for students in grades three through twelve. The PlastiVans™ travel throughout the United States, teaching students, educators, and the public about the chemistry, history, processing and environmental issues involved with plastics.
Other grants funded by the Lisa Waldhauer Education Fund included sponsorship of the free performance of the Little Red Riding Hood as performed by Wichita Children’s Theatre; Moola Venture as conducted by the K-State Research and Extension office; sponsorship of the MHS Debate and Forensic national competition registrations; sponsorship of Christian Howe’s performance; scholarship assistance for students to participate in Camp Invention; and scholarships for students furthering their education at a post-secondary level.
Lisa’s passion for education and love of her students inspired friends and family to develop a golf tournament and auction designed to raise funds for educational opportunities. Nearly $90,000 has been granted to organizations and programs since the first tournament in 2007.
The committee is continually accepting funding requests for educational programs in the McPherson area. For information on how to apply, contact the McPherson County Community Foundation office at 620.245.9070 or email a request to info@mcphersonfoundation.org. The Lisa Waldhauer Educational Funds are administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation.