DMC Foundation's Virtual "Bernie's Spring Bash" Raising Funds for Scholarships and Students With Critical Needs (REPOST)
Article by: Melinda Eddleman
(updted April 28, 2020
(REPOST May 12, 2020)
The unexpected happened. And, no one imagined how a world-wide pandemic would change the way people live, work and go to school., including students attending Del Mar College (DMC). They already faced many challenges without the impacts created by the COVID-19 crisis, and now they must deal with additional hurdles while juggling unexpected changes to their lives.
For the DMC Foundation, “Bernie’s Spring Bash” was already planned as an April traditional fundraising event for donors to attend and learn more about signature programs directly from faculty and students and to support scholarships and the Student Emergency Aid fund. The event has now moved online for an ongoing virtual experience accessible to everyone by visiting www.delmar.edu/foundation and clicking on the “Bernie’s Spring Bash” button.
Even during normal times, many Del Mar College students are one flat tire, one urgent and unforeseen emergency away from dropping out of school or not graduating on-time. The COVID-19 crisis has added an extra element of financial strain.Thanks to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, our corporate partners and many generous individuals, the Foundation quickly created and has been helping those students most in need with emergency aid.
Direct donations can be made by going to give.delmar.edu/bvsb2020.
To date, nearly $61,000 (updated 4/28/20) has been raised. By giving to the Foundation’s Student Emergency Aid fund, donors will support DMC students’ critical needs now as they face unprecedented financial setbacks that may force them to delay or cancel their dreams of higher education.
Proceeds also will go toward DMC student scholarships. Currently, the Foundation is taking online applications for the next academic year (2020-2021). The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 30. Qualifying individuals can get started here: www.delmar.edu/scholarships.
“Bernie’s Spring Bash” is an “online party with purpose!” Videos feature DMC faculty and staff expertise and talent including music performances, yoga sessions, work-at-home tips, a downloadable Valdar the Viking coloring book, healthy snack activities with children and more. Visit often to view more DMC departmental and program videos as they’re added (www.delmar.edu/foundation).
Currently, nine sponsors are supporting “Bernie’s Spring Bash” including Fulton Construction, Harrison’s Landing, AG|CM, Port of Corpus Christi, NAACP, Navy Army Community Credit Union, NuStar, Rabalais and Texas Book Company.
For more information about the Student Emergency Aid fund and scholarships or how to donate online, visit the DMC Foundation’s web pages at www.delmar.edu/foundation or email foundation@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.