3 The RAPS Sheet February 2022 ‘Challenge’ drive big success for RAPS Scholarship Donor’s match, members’ contributions send balance up 80 percent THE “CHALLENGE” was successful—very successful. Nearly $39,000 flowed into the RAPS Scholarship account between October 1 and December 31, thanks to a significant donation from an anonymous donor—and the generous response by RAPS members to the donor’s challenge. The donations represented a massive increase in the scholarship’s account balance. The account has grown steadily since its establishment in 2011, and by the end of the third quarter last September 30, the balance stood at just over $47,500. Then came a donation of more than $5,000 from a donor who wished to remain anonymous. Pat Squire, co-president of RAPS, was in contact with the donor, who expressed a desire to make an additional contribution. The challenge grew out of that conversation. The donor decided to challenge RAPS members not only to donate to the scholarship between October 1 and December 31, but to increase their previous donations. The donor pledged to match any gift dollar for dollar. But those who increased their previous donations by 50 percent prompted a match of 150 percent, and those who doubled their previous donations triggered a 200 percent match. Some 49 RAPS members responded to the challenge by donating more than $14,500. That produced a matching amount of $19,405. Including the donor’s original gift, the total addition to the scholarship account approached $39,000, boosting the account balance to over $86,000— an increase of more than 80 percent. Now the Scholarship Committee, chaired by Joan Shireman, will face the serious—albeit happy—problem of determining how to use the money most effectively. Since 2011, RAPS has awarded one scholarship annually; the award amount has climbed over the years and now sits at $4,500. “With the success of the challenge, we can expand our aid sooner and with more confidence,” said Shireman. “A second scholarship is a possibility. Another option is to increase the amount of the current scholarship. A good case can be made for either.” Squire thanked RAPS members and the anonymous donor for their generosity, noting that “this kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often.” “The membership recognized the value of the challenge,” she said. “The incredible vision and generosity of our anonymous donor has strengthened our scholarship, and we all owe a great deal of thanks.” Joan Shireman Pat Squire Upcoming RAPS events MARCH Thursday, March 17 After a delay of two years, PSU Opera is mounting a production of Merry Wives of Windsor, an operetta in three acts by Otto Nicolai, with four performances scheduled April 22 through May 1. The March RAPS program features a preview with opera program director Harry Baechtel and student performers. At press time the expectation is that the program will be held in person in 25 Lincoln Hall, the large rehearsal room. The meeting will be moved to Zoom if necessitated by COVID restrictions. The traditional March Potluck preceding the opera presentation has been canceled. APRIL Friday, April 29 President’s Annual Luncheon for Retired Staff and Faculty hosted by President Steve Percy in the PSU Ballroom. If the luncheon is canceled due to COVID restrictions, Percy will speak to RAPS members via Zoom. MAY Thursday, May 19 “Supported Conversation for Aphasia,” presentation by Susan Ginley, clinical professor in Speech and Hearing Sciences, on a communication method to encourage conversation when working with someone, such as a stroke victim, who has lost the ability to communicate.
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