Can Do founder shares scholarship idea with Central Illinois community leaders

Event: The Sangamon County Community Foundation hosted Jennifer Wilfong, founder of the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund, at a luncheon in Springfield, IL.
Ms. Wilfong shared how she created the unique scholarship fund, and how the 183 Kids are increasing their understanding of the importance of graduating from high school. Larry Johnson, SCCF board member, invited Ms. Wilfong to Springfield after he heard about Can Do at a national convention. The inspiring message was well received by the crowd of 50 community and business leaders. The hope is that additional programs will be started to serve issues that matter in central IL. As Johnson stated, “I may never bring in another speaker to the Sangamon County Community Foundation. Thanks so very, very much. Your presentation really touched the crowd. What you are doing is so important. Thanks for sharing (the message on Can Do).”

Date: March 28, 2005 @ 12pm

Goal: The goal of the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund is to provide $1,000 Scholarship promises to every fourth grader who attends Irving Primary School in Peoria, IL. Over 180 fourth graders since 2002 have received the Can Do Scholarship promise. The long term goals include achieving at least an 80% high school graduation rate and at least 50% of the students utilizing the Can Do scholarships.

Mission: The mission of the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund is to instill a "Can Do" attitude in Irving fourth graders to stay focused on graduating from high school so they can attend college or a technical training institution. The hope is that the "Can Do Kids" will 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.