Zonta Club hands out scholarships, grants

The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia and Zonta West-Illinois distributed $16,000 in grants and scholarships at its annual Awards Dinner May 6 at Prairie Landing Golf Course in West Chicago.

Zonta seeks to advance the status of women through local service projects and fundraising for scholarships and service grants supporting women's issues.

"Our annual meeting is the highlight of our year," said Colleen Lang, Zonta's current president.

"It is truly moving and inspiring to learn of the accomplishments of our young women and the lofty goals they have set for themselves, and to be able to provide financial assistance to local agencies focusing on women's issues."

This year's scholarship program was underwritten with help from the EFS Foundation, Trust Company of Illinois, Morgan Stanley Foundation and the Shodeen Family Foundation

"Thanks to the generosity of these wonderful organizations, many young women in our communities will have the opportunity to advance their educational careers," Lang said.

"We are delighted that these foundations have once again made this investment in our young women's futures."

This year's scholarship winners are:

Luella Hoffman Scholarships: Erin Kelsey of St Charles, Jillian Braun of St. Charles Katherine Staniek of South Elgin

Fran Johnson Second Chance Scholarship: Seema Chopra of Norridge and Rosemary Dittman of Elgin

Jane Klausman Women in Business Scholarship: Amy Rollins of Wheaton.

A contribution also will be made to the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Scholarship competition, awarded to women seeking a degree in aeronautical science.

Service grants supporting women's issues were awarded to: Community Crisis Center, Mutual Ground, CASA Kane County, Association for Individual Development, Girl Scouts of America, Fox Valley Hospice, Lazarus House, Literacy Volunteer-Fox Valley and RITAS Ministry.

A contribution also will be made to Zonta International in support of women's international service projects in Africa, India and Pakistan administered by UNICEF and UNIFEM.

For details about Zonta, contact Bobbie Gerbrecht at (630) 879-7889, or visit www.zonta-stcharles-geneva-batavia.org or www.zonta.org.