NORWICH — The Norwich Dollars for Scholars will hold a Dollars for Scholars Week from May 9 to May 15, to promote some of the fundraising this organization does to create scholarships for our graduating seniors.

“This is a great opportunity for us to be more visible in the community and help everyone understand more about our mission – which is to promote learning and help fund education of all kinds beyond the high school level,” commented Board President Christine Edwards.

The first event of the week will be on Monday, May 9. This is a Give Back Night hosted by Nina’s Pizzeria from 4 p.m. to closing. 20 percent of all purchases made at that time, whether dine in or take out, will go directly towards a DFS scholarship.

Pat Dietrich, who oversees the student chapter of Norwich DFS, said Dave Schull of Nina’s Pizzeria has provided coupons the Dollars for Scholars students will be giving out, to be handed to the cashier or waiter when the order is placed. These coupons will also be available on our website and Facebook page.

“Dave has been great about hosting these Give Back Nights for Norwich Dollars for Scholars and many other organizations over the years, and we appreciate his support of our community,” said Dietrich.

Throughout the week Norwich Dollars for Scholars will be highlighting their ongoing online campaign to raise money for scholarships. Donations may be made by going to their website at norwich.dollarsforscholars.org or by linking directly to their online donor platform at secure.givelively.org/donate/scholarship-america-inc-norwich-ny. As always, 100 percent of the money raised goes towards scholarships for Norwich School District students.

The Dollars for Scholars Week will end on Sunday, May 15 with two big events. The first is the 9th annual NBT Bank DFS 5K Walk and Run which starts at 9 a.m. by the NHS track and ends there as well. More information about this race and the online registration can be found at runreg.com/norwichdfs. Hard copies of the registration may be obtained at the Norwich Family YMCA or at the main office in the Norwich High School.

In addition to thanking NBT for their support, DFS would like to thank their other sponsors: Blueox Corporation, Canasawacta Country Club, Chenango County Children's Law Office, In Motion Design, LaBella, Laral Management Company, NYCM Insurance, Preferred Mutual Insurance, and Wilson Funeral Home.

Directly following the NBT DFS 5K Walk and Run on Sunday, May 15 will be a chicken barbecue at the VFW at 61 East Main Street in Norwich. Tickets for chicken will be pre-sold by the Norwich Dollars for Scholars students starting the week of April 28.

“Thanks to Shane Lawrence and his team at the VFW for assisting us with this fundraiser. It will be a nice way to wrap up our Dollars for Scholars week” said Karen Sastri, who is assisting with organizing the barbecue.

Norwich Dollars for Scholars is a local chapter of the national Scholarship America organization. The group is all volunteer run and raises scholarship funds through community fundraising and donations, and fundraisers such as these held by our local student chapter. The kids work hard all year to put together events such as this to generate scholarships for their peers.

For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering with the organization, please contact Norwich Dollars for Scholars President Christine Edwards at 607-334-7305 or cedwards3@roadrunner.com.

-Information provided by the Norwich Dollars for Scholars