100/100 Club seeks contributors

The 100/100 Club’s 2009 campaign is on the launch pad and poised to possibly reach the heights of its inaugural 2008 campaign — one that extended a significant hand of support to EOU students.

Union County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert, chairwoman of the Connect Committee that operates the 100/100 Club, said she is optimistic about the campaign, which is now beginning.

“I truly think people have good hearts. They understand that the future of our country is in our youth,’’ she said.

The organization is based on a simple premise — convince 100 people each year to donate $100 to the club. Successfully doing this allows the club to reach its annual $10,000 goal. All of the money is provided to EOU students in the form of scholarships

A year ago the club reached its goal by its July 31 deadline. Much of the money came in the form of $100 donations. The drive received a major boost from several large donations, Hibbert said.

This year the 100/100 Club again has a July 31 deadline. Club leaders want to have the money available by then so EOU students will have plenty of time to apply for and receive the scholarship money for the 2009-10 school year.

Donations of all amounts will be accepted by the 100/100 Club.

Hibbert believes people will come forward to help again despite the economic downturn.

“The core value system of people does not change. They will step up and reach out beyond themselves,’’ Hibbert said.

On-campus students who have lived in Union County for at least two years are eligible for the 100/100 awards. Scholarships will again be given primarily on the basis of need.

The 100/100 Club was created by the Connect Committee, founded in late 2007. The Connect Committee ties together local organizations and Eastern in an effort to give the university a boost. The Connect Committee is comprised of representatives of Union County, all Union County school districts, cities, EOU and local business people.

The Connect Committee formed the 100/100 Club as a means of helping to increase enrollment at EOU.

“EOU needs our support,’’ Hibbert said. “The one way we can support it is making sure Union County students are able to attend.’’

The Connect Committee is taking other steps in addition to creating the 100/100 Club to help Eastern. Many are aimed at increasing the visibility of EOU in Union County. For example, it is working to get signs installed at the entrance of each town in Union County declaring that the city and EOU are proud community partners and part of a winning team.

People who would like to donate to the Connect Committee’s 100/100 Club should send contributions to EOU c/o EOU Foundation, 1 University Blvd., Inlow Hall 212,

La Grande 97850. Contributors should write 100/100 Club on the remarks portion of their checks.

For more information call EOU’s Marketing, Development and Public Affairs Office at 962-3740.