NYC AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO COLLIER COUNTY STUDENTS

NAPLES YACHT CLUB CHAPTER OF INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE BLUE GAVEL AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO COLLIER COUNTY STUDENTS

Dozens of students from schools across Collier County were awarded college scholarships this month by the Naples Yacht Club Chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel enabling them to proceed to college and further their education.

More than $90,000 in scholarships were presented to local high school seniors and members of Naples Yacht Club staff this year. In addition, a Florida state matched scholarship grant of $10,000 was awarded to First Generation Matching Grant Program students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Since 1998, more than 500 local students have been awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships through this organization.

“If I had to think of the most valuable thing I could give to someone it would be an education,” said Past NYC Commodore Russell Overton. “This successful program has helped many of those in need to achieve a college or other higher education degree.”

The scholarship fund was established in 1997 as an organization of Past Commodores to help employees of the Naples Yacht Club and their families. Two years later, the fund changed its name in 1999 to the Naples Yacht Club Blue Gavel Scholarship Fund, Inc. and is now classified as a tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Service.

Today, the Blue Gavel Scholarship Fund concentrates on educational programs and specifically the awarding of scholarships not only employees of the Naples Yacht Club and their children but also high school seniors in Collier County and students at FGCU.

“The Blue Gavel Scholarship fund has afforded me opportunities to further my education and better myself as a young professional in the hospitality field,” said Sally Schweitzer, Naples Yacht Club Catering Manager. “My education will continue to allow me to flourish throughout my career.”