2004 Grant

The Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund would like to announce the receiving of its first-ever grant for this unique scholarship fund in Peoria, IL. The $3,000 grant was awarded on June 14, 2004, for the Can Do Arts silent auction. Can Do Arts challenges kids to complete their artwork while in school as 3rd and 4th graders at Peoria’s Irving Primary School. Then, Irving School administration and Can Do Scholarship Fund volunteers select, matte, and display pieces of their artwork at local businesses to raise funds for the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund. Thanks to Michael’s Arts & Crafts for assisting with the presentation of the artwork.

During 2004, the students studied the artwork of Picasso, Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Grandma Moses, etc. Two Can Do Arts silent auctions have already been completed at Lindsay’s on Liberty in Peoria, IL, and Baurer Furniture in Washington, IL. Community members have purchased 21 pieces of the Can Do Kids’ artwork. These contributions have helped raise $500 for a Can Do 4:13 Scholarship.

Goal: This program/project has been made possible, in part, by a grant from the RLI Corporate Contribution Fund and the John H. “Ted” and Betty Flora Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Can Do Arts will be further implemented and improved during the 2004-2005 school year; even more Can Do Scholarship funds will be raised due to the students’ art skills continuously improving and the ongoing promotion of this unique silent art auction.

Mission: The Mission of the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund is to encourage a "Can Do" attitude within Irving fourth graders to stay focused on graduating from high school so they can attend college or a technical training institution, via a $1,000 Can Do Scholarship. The ultimate goal for the 119 "Can Do Kids" is to graduate with job skills so that they may become positive, driving forces within their families and community.

Contact Information: For further information about the Can Do Arts silent auction, please contact:

• Phone: (309)678-9607
• All contributions (which are tax deductible) to the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund, the Can Do Walk, and Can Do Arts are managed by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, 331 Fulton Street, Suite 310, Peoria, IL 61602. Ph: (309)674-8730, contact: Jim Sullivan.