Reflecting on the work of the Amarillo Area Foundation is always a rewarding experience. Many years, we can highlight significant gifts. In other years, perhaps we launch partnerships to accomplish good things for our region. Some years, we get to share the news about the advancement of a program. This year, we are very excited to reflect on the initiation of two new programs.
The THRIVE Scholarship has the potential to significantly impact our region for years to come. By working with our partners at Amarillo Independent School District, Amarillo College, and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation we have initiated a program available to all qualified AISD students that allows them to attend Amarillo College for up to 60 hours at no cost to the student. Tuition, books and fees are all covered by THRIVE. We initiated this program in the Fall of 2018, and the excitement has been noticeable. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this great collaborative effort.
We also kicked off The Panhandle Gives in 2018. This collaboration focuses on bolstering our nonprofit partners on Giving Tuesday, the national day set aside to emphasize year end giving. We set a goal to raise $500,000 last year and ended up raising more than$865,000. By working with corporate partners and community donors, we raise money to amplify the gifts received by regional nonprofits during this event. We are enthused about what this means for this initiative in 2019 and beyond.
Who knows what 2019 will bring? We only hope to build on the excitement generated by these two innovative programs.