(Arnolds Park)– The Okoboji Foundation Youth In Philanthropy program has announced its 2013 grant awards.
The group this year raised $17,000 which will assist in the development of a new walking trail near Lakeside Lab in the Miller’s Bay area of West Lake Okoboji and to assist with a new disc (frisbee) golf course at Kenue Park.
The Youth In Philanthropy group was created in 2010. Each year about 25 students from Okoboji and Spirit Lake high schools meet once a month from October through May to learn about the impact of Okoboji Foundation grants and tour non-profit facilities that have been assisted with funding by the foundation. Students learn how to read and score grant requests and raise their own funds through sponsorships for grants steered by their group decision.
Youth In Philanthropy in 2012 assisted with the Spirit Lake Kiwanis splash pad project at Memorial Park and with repairs at Discovery House.
In 2011 the group funded a new roof for the chapel at Camp Foster YMCA.
23 Students from Okoboji and Spirit Lake High Schools participated in the Youth In Philanthropy program this year. They include Olivia Albright, Sydney Boeckholt, Mikayla Brockmeyer, Brandie Bushee, Haley Bushee, Natalie Delaney, Clare Eckard, Hannah Grosvenor, Josie Hoien, Clare Huntress, Rick Maris, Jenna McCoy, Abigail Meyer, Kim Naatjes, Mark Norland, Mohini Patel, Destinie Phomsouvanh, Alex Pringnitz, Olivia Rohlk, Anna Seeger, Zach Skopec, KJ Veldman and Anna Vos.
