Woman’s Press Club of Indiana’s annual fundraiser will take a slightly different approach this year in lieu of the pandemic, but the programming it supports will remain effective and strong.
WPCI president Viv Sade said the group decided to forego its annual auction event in November, typically a day of high-energy bidding among members and their guests.
“For this year, we need to focus on protecting our members and communities by not hosting a large gathering,” she said. “We have decided to simply appeal to our members and friends for donations to support our education fund.”
The education fund, a 501(c)(3) organization within WPCI, provides scholarships and grants through three programs:
- Hortense Myers Scholarship, $1,000
In honor of former UPI Statehouse reporter. Eligibility: College juniors, male and female. - Louise Eleanor Ross Kleinhenz Scholarships, $500
in memory of Louise Eleanor Ross Kleinhenz, a 45-year-member of WPCI. Eligibility: Mature Indiana women and men desiring to upgrade their journalism skills. - Julie and Gene Slaymaker Public Service to Journalism Award, $500
This honors a male or female professional journalist or student who has provided public service to journalism in the past year.
Over the years, recipients have used funds to learn new communication skills, in areas such as technology, videography or book writing, or have supported pursuits such as research and master’s degrees.
“Having encouragement I needed at such an early age gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a successful career in newspaper reporting,” said Carley Lanich, the 2017 recipient of the Myers scholarship.
Then a junior at Indiana University, Lanich edited the Indiana Daily Student and studied journalism abroad in England and Japan. Today, she covers education in the Chicago area for the Times of Northwest Indiana.
“These experiences were possible only through the support of the great mentors and editors I’ve met early in my journalism education,” she said. “I encourage anyone who can to support the young journalists in their community, and the WPCI scholarships are a great way to do that.”
Sometimes, the awards benefit far more than one recipient. High school teacher and journalism adviser Tom Hayes said his Kleinhenz funds had a ripple effect.
“It helped us improve our Photoshop skills in Ben Davis student media,” he said. “I used that award to attend a Photoshop workshop that helped us refine our skills, which in turn helped us improve our design skills in both our newspaper and magazine classes.
“The class also taught me several techniques that I was able to incorporate into our photography projects. We would not have been able to produce some of our designs without the help of Kleinhenz award.”
The auction event usually raises about $1,500, with members and their guests bidding on items ranging from theater tickets, weekend travel packages, unique decorative items and practical gear for home and garden.
Now, WPCI is asking for direct contributions to the fund. Here’s how:
- Make your check out to “WPCI Education Fund.”
- Mail to WPCI treasurer Julie Slaymaker, 5161 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
- If you make your contribution before Dec. 31, 2020, you will have a tax advantage. The fund is a 501(c)(3) organization.
- Questions? Contact us.
Learn more:
Visit the scholarships and grants page.
Read more about recipients.
