DMC Foundation Reels-in Big Catch and Exceeds Fundraising Goal for “Stringers for Scholarships 2020: The One That Got Away”
Virtual event raises over $56,600 to assist Del Mar College students with educational expenses during critical time as pandemic continues
Article by Melinda Eddleman
You’ve heard anglers tell their stories about the “big fish that got away.” For the Del Mar College (DMC) Foundation, however, they reeled-in the “big catch” and exceeded their goal during the virtual “Stringers for Scholarships 2020: The One That Got Away.”
Instead of meeting their goal of $45,000, the Foundation raised $56,624, or nearly 26% more in donations to support student scholarships.
Now more than ever, people in our community need help. Education changes lives, and the overwhelming generosity of our donors is a strong vote of confidence and support for Del Mar students. Our sponsors’ support this year translates to more than 50 students getting a scholarship!
“Stringers for Scholarships” is normally held as an annual fishing tournament at Marker 37 on Padre Island that attracts over 60 teams as well as sponsors. Among donations made this year, the “virtual fundraiser” included 13 generous sponsors: AEP Texas, Port of Corpus Christi, Fenner Ranch, Fulton Construction, LNV (an Ardurra Company), Turner Ramirez Architects, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP, Wells Fargo Bank, Kleberg Bank, NavyArmy Community Credit Union, Borden Insurance, Donald Hubert Construction Inc. and Urban Engineering.
As COVID-19 persists and financially impacts Coastal Bend residents’ lives, including DMC students, the need for assistance continues to grow. Scholarships are a much-needed resource during normal times, but financial help to cover educational expenses is a critical source for students during the pandemic. The Foundation reported that a record number of scholarship applications for 2020-2021 were submitted with 800 more students applying for assistance compared to the previous academic year.
The Foundation will continue to take donations through the end of October to increase the resources available to DMC students. Individuals interested in making a donation can visit the “Stringers for Scholarships 2020: The One That Got Away” webpage (or use give.delmar.edu/sfs2020) and click on the “Donate Any Amount” button to support DMC students. Every dollar counts!
Need more information? Contact Matthew Busby, DMC Director of Development, at 254-424-2839 or mbusby3@delmar.edu or Cynthia Arbuckle, DMC Development Coordinator–Special Events, at 361-244-3560 or carbuckle@delmar.edu.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.