This year, the IWVCA applied for and was granted $1,500.00 from the United Way of Indian Wells Valley under their 2011 Grant RFP Program. The check has been received, and will be used to fund a portion of the costs for the Student Education Programs for the 2011-12 Concert Season. This year, the United Way had about 50% less funds to distribute than they did last year, and the IWVCA is most grateful to have been chosen to receive a grant. The IWVCA Membership and Board of Directors gives their most heartfelt thanks to the United Way for their generosity in granting these much needed funds to the IWVCA to help further the Student Education Program.

The Student Education Program is a program that brings free Student Education Concerts to students in K through 12th grades throughout the Indian Wells Valley and surrounding areas. L. Ann Norris, Student Education Programs Coordinator for the IWVCA, contacts all the public, private, and home schools in the Indian Wells Valley and surrounding areas and makes all the arrangements to schedule the schools and students, assuring that each school gets the opportunity for their students to attend one or more programs. The IWVCA will be presenting seven Student Education Programs during the 2011-12 Season. Busing is provided by the IWVCA free-of-charge to all the public school students who attend.

The IWVCA gives a very heartfelt THANK YOU to Kari Boisvert and the entire United Way of Indian Wells Valley agency for selection the IWVCA to receive this $1,500.00 Grant. They and the IWV Community can rest assured that it will be used in support of the IWVCA Student Education Program to increase the cultural education and enlightenment of our IWV students.

Kari Boisvert, Director of the UWIWV (right) presenting the 2011 $1,500.00 Grant to Howard Laire representing the IWVCA Board of Directors.

The Indian Wells Valley United Way held their annual Fall Campaign Kick-Off with their Family Fun Fair on Saturday, 24 September 2011, at LeRoy Jackson Park, Ridgecrest, CA. The FFF was a huge success - the booths, representing almost all of the 2011 member agencies were fun and entertaining and crowded with visitors, and the entertainment was continuous and outstanding! Please remember to support the UWIWV with your Donations and your attendance and support of their community activities and the activities of their member agencies.