WACO’s 65th Annual Conference wrapped up just over a month ago, and it was one for the books! We had record turnout from WACO members, amazing trainings, and the food? Well, let's just say not a crumb was left... One of the highlights of the conference, as it is every year, was the Wednesday evening Scholarship Banquet. The banquet features an award ceremony celebrating the service of retiring county officials, a live performance, and an important silent auction that helps raise proceeds for the Washington Counties Scholarship Fund.
This year’s auction raised approximately $1,200 to fund the Washington Counties Scholarship Fund!
This year we had the Blue Wave Band performing live on stage for the duration of the banquet. They played a variety of classics and modern hits, and they even took requests (if the price was right) and those funds went to the scholarship fund! The most notable jam that seemed to get played was the "well-loved" Song that Never Ends - however, someone did pay enough to end the song pretty quickly, so thankfully everyone survived.
During the banquet, a silent auction war brewed on the sidelines - Washington State University VS University of Washington! A bidding war broke out between WACO member sport fans as they vied to raise the most money for the Washington Counties Scholarship Fund. In the end, WSU took the highest bid at $110, but UW wasn't far behind at $101 - and everyone left happy and with items they enjoyed. If you'd like to contribute a basket or goodies for the 2024 Scholarship Banquet Auction, email tiffin@countyofficials.org and let us know!
After we add the funds raised at this year's Scholarship Banquet with funds donated by two affiliate groups, we are sitting at nearly $3,751.71 of the $9,000 we need to award students in 2024 with scholarships.
Since 1993 the Washington Counties Scholarship Fund has awarded over $325,000 to eligible students, and this is only possible due to the generosity of WACO members. The Washington Counties Scholarship Fund provides multiple scholarships annually to eligible children of county employees and county elected officials (assessors, auditors, clerks, coroners, medical examiners, prosecutors, sheriffs, and treasurers), and in order to continue we need your support.
Scan the WACO QR code to donate, or mail a check contribution to the WACO office (206 10th Avenue SE Olympia, WA 98501) and help us continue providing invaluable support to the children of county elected officials and their staff.
*WACO is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. Your donations to the Washington Counties Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible and WACO can provide tax receipts for filing purposes.
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Thank you to WACO Annual Conference Sponsor Amerigroup for sponsoring the banquet meal and entertainment.
Amerigroup Washington is dedicated to providing world-class care and improving the health of Washington communities. Since 2013, Amerigroup has been creating healthier lives together with their members and partners. Amerigroup currently serves over 270,000 individuals receiving Apple Health Medicaid benefits across all 39 Washington State counties. Learn more about Amerigroup here: https://www.amerigroup.com/