‘Dollars for Scholars’ to benefit After School Enrichment Tutor Project

Endsley
LAHAINA — The homeowners of Aina Nalu will hold a fund-raiser on Friday, May 27, to support a program that makes a big difference in the lives of hundreds of students in West Maui each year.
Featuring wine, pupus and a silent auction, “Dollars for Scholars” will be held in the pavilion at the 660 Wainee St. property from 6 to 9 p.m.
The goal is to raise $10,000 for the Lahaina Complex After School Enrichment Tutor Project.
There is no guaranteed sustaining sponsor for this successful volunteer project, so the annual search for financial support to sustain the program is challenging, noted Pat Endsley, who founded the project with her husband, Richard.
Now in its tenth year, the project is offered at no cost to students and staffed by volunteer tutors. Around 130 volunteers — including Lahainaluna High School students who tutored 50 fourth-graders in math — helped 339 students in the 2010-11 school year.
An innovative facet was introduced this year.
“The measurements of success of the program showed significant improvements in the children’s test scores, especially in reading,” Pat said.
“We wanted to accelerate the growth in math scores as we have done in reading. After some investigation, it was determined there was a lack in basic skills. So we decided to bring in a pilot program for fourth and sixth grade math students called ‘Beyond the Basics’ to help build up those skills.
“In order to make a difference… this school year required bringing in the training for the volunteers now. Since this fell outside the normal grant process schedule, it did not get any incremental funding this year.”
On Sept. 19, 2011, this community-school cooperative partnership will begin its 11th year. Programs will include creative arts and hula on Mondays, math on Tuesdays, and reading, test taking skills and social studies on Wednesday afternoons.
All donations and proceeds from “Dollars for Scholars” will benefit the tutor project.
Tickets are available now for $45 in advance or $50 at the door, which covers pupus, entertainment, two glasses of wine and a commemorative wine glass.
Auction items have been generously donated by individuals, artists, restaurants, hotels and local businesses to support this worthy cause for the community.
Donations for the project will also be accepted in advance or on the day of the event; make checks payable to People for Educational Equality.
For information or tickets, contact Cheryl Henderson at (719) 282-9011.