NORWICH – Since 2003, Norwich Dollars for Scholars has stayed true to its goal of making college possible for as many of the district’s students as possible. This week, the non-profit, volunteer-run organization is making its final fundraising push of the year with its annual Dollars for Scholars Week.

“Every dollar that we raise goes right out the door in terms of scholarships to graduating seniors,” reported Norwich Dollars for Scholars President Victoria Kappel.

There are a number of ways in which people can support the group this week, Kappel said, including frequenting local businesses which have pledged their support for Dollars for Scholars.

According to the Norwich mom, Christman Motors has once again pledged to donate $50 for every new or used car purchased from May 10 to 16. Nina’s Restaurant will donate 20 percent of sales on Thursday, May 13 to Norwich Dollars for Scholars each time a coupon is presented. (Those coupons can be picked up from any DFS board member, the Arts Council, the Pennysaver front desk; or clipped from ads in The Evening Sun or Pennysaver.) And on May 16, Canasawacta Country Club will donate 25 percent of greens fees to the scholarship organization.

The highlight of the week for many will be Dollars for Scholars’ annual chicken barbecue, car wash and golf ball toss. This year, according to Kappel, this much anticipated event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday in the NBT parking lot on South Broad Street.

Kappel said the organization’s board members have been busy selling raffle tickets for the golf ball toss for the last few weeks. This year’s grand prize is $250; second place is $100. Tickets are still available for the event, she said, and you need not be present to win.

Those same board members have also been selling pre-sale tickets for the chicken barbecue, which will once again be provided by Brooks BBQ. Chickens, which are $6 a half, will be available for pick up between noon and 2 p.m. for pre-orders, Kappel said, adding that walk-ups are, of course, welcome.

Other festivities will include a car wash, face painting and other family friendly activities. All proceeds will support Dollars for Scholars.

According to Kappel, the group awarded its first scholarships in the Spring of 2004, giving out 10 awards totaling $5,800. Last year, they awarded $28,000 in scholarships to 28 students.

This year, with the cost of higher education on the rise and many families struggling because of the economy, Kappel said their efforts are even more important. The community has recognized this, according to the chapter president.

“People are very supportive,” she stated, explaining that the group is on track to provide an equal amount of scholarship dollars this year.

Kappel credits much of this year’s fundraising success to the efforts of the approximately 90 Norwich High Schoolers involved with the organization’s student chapter. According to Kappel, those students have worked hard throughout the year, raising money through candy and calendar sales. They will be on hand this Saturday as well, she reported, to help with the car wash and face painting.

Their efforts, and those of all associated with Norwich Dollars for Scholars, will pay off on June 7, when this year’s scholarships are distributed to graduating seniors during an award ceremony at the Chenango County Council of the Arts.