Dollar$ For Scholars Event In Works

An event to launch a new scholarship fund for students in Bayfield and Ashland counties takes place next Sunday in Washburn.

Washburn's Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapter is beginning a scholarship fund open to students in Bayfield or Ashland counties.  The students must have senior class standing and have contributed to their communities in the area of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy, support, and/or education.

The group plans to award scholarships of $500 to students selected by the PFLAG Board of Directors through an application process.

To launch the new fund and scholarship opportunity, Washburn PFLAG is holding a "Dollar$ for Scholars" concert and silent auction on Sun., Nov. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at StageNorth in Washburn.

Local musicians, Amy Bailey, Marky Rossow and Val Salas will perform a variety of music, including blues, at the event. Leslie Wilson will be the announcer. A silent auction will take place between musical sets. Auction items include art work and jewelry from Sara Balbin, Mimi Crandall, Brigit Wolff and several others; a winter cabin getaway weekend; a social networking technical assistance session; photography; pottery; a digital camera technical assistance session; a fair trade gift basket; massage sessions; and many other items.

The event is free and open to the public. Free-will donations are encouraged. If you have an auction item to donate and/or wish to make a dollar donation to the scholarship cause, please contact Mary Wichita (mary.wichita@yahoo.com or 715-765-4132) as soon as possible.

The monthly meetings of the Washburn chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) are open to the public. Chapter attendees come from as far as Mellen and Port Wing, and include both parents and friends of those who are gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer, as well as individuals who self-identify as one.

Chapter meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of the month on the third floor of the Washburn Cultural Center. However, the Nov. 13 concert will replace the Nov. meeting and December’s chapter meeting will be held December 6.