MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Most students are aware of how difficult it is to save for a college education. With school expenses always on the rise, scholarships have become an essential part of the application process.
The Officers’ and Spouses’ Club is scheduled to hold an auction inside the Iwakuni ballroom, Feb. 18, to raise funds for scholarship.
The OSC, which provides social and cultural events to raise money for scholarships and outings is taking a bold step by treating Station residents to imported goods auction, for the first time ever.
“We decided to take a different approach to raise more funds,” said Lorraine Tolliver, member of the OSC. “Our goal is to raise enough money to provide more than two scholarships.”
“The OSC contributes scholarships for continuous education annually,” commented Kristen Razvillas, OSC president.
Station residents will have an opportunity to view items available as early as 3 p.m. and the auction is scheduled to commence at 4 p.m. and run thorough 9 p.m. It is open to everyone on Station.
“We will hold a live auction, as opposed to a bazaar. Participants will be provided a paddle during the live bidding and items go to the highest bidder,” said Razvillas. “At the same time we will have a silent auction and an open market much like Ebay.”
Items such as silk rugs, leather and wooden furniture, baskets, ornaments and pottery will be available.
Money raised by OSC will go toward two or more scholarships, which will be awarded to graduating seniors of Matthew C. Perry High School and dependant spouses. All applicants must be the spouse or dependant of an active duty, retired or deceased military member.
Members of the club have been busy in preparation. Complimentary appetizers, drinks and child care will be available to attract enough residents to make the auction an annual event, explained Razvillas.
“This auction will be a bit more challenging than other events, but we don’t just want to meet the minimum. We want to strive for more, to raise more dollars toward scholarships,” said Tolliver.