Fundraiser will benefit students
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
RONAN — More than 20 years ago, Mission’s own country-western singer/songwriter, Tim Ryan, started a scholarship event that benefited several students throughout Lake County.
On Friday, Ryan, golfers and other musical artists will continue to sponsor local scholars at the 23rd Annual Tim Ryan’s Mission Valley Scholarship Golf Tourney and Writer’s Night.
“It’s the greatest entertainment in the dang state,” Ryan said of the event that will feature some of the hottest local talent and pull from the music scenes in Missoula and Kalispell.
Local groups and dinner will begin at 5 p.m. With the $5 cover charge, attendees can enjoy a delicious dinner and evening of great entertainment.
Along with Hall of Fame producer Mac McAnnally, Ryan will perform in the concert, which begins at 7 p.m.
Two tee times for golfers are at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“I’m such a stooge at golfing,” Ryan joked.
According to Ryan, the golf tournament is the oldest and the largest tournament in the state, but he won’t be numbered among the golfers.
Last year’s tournament raised $16,000 for the local scholars, helping them to finance their college tuition.
Rachel Fisher, Cameron Neiss, Christopher McCollum, Rachel Jensen, Alexandria Trejo, Rebecca Haitt and Jenny Dillard are the 2010 recipients of the scholarships.
Ryan said students are chosen by school counselors and approved by the district’s school board.
Stipulations of the scholarship require that recipients sustain a 3.2 grade point average, volunteer in a community service activity and come from a lower income level.
The seven scholarship recipients are from Ronan and Mission, but in previous years the scholarship included students from five high schools all over the valley.
“We would like to include everyone still, but it’s a very difficult thing to do,” Ryan said.
He explained that because of the economic recession, many businesses are having trouble supporting the event, and this year sponsors from Ronan and Mission are funding the event so they chose students from the same towns.
Historically, the event has awed Lake County audiences with famous artists, writers and University of Montana coaches.
And the scholarship committee is hoping this year will prove to be another successful turnout.
For more information or to sign up for the golf tournament, call 676-4653.
