Dixie Foundation needs-based scholarship recipient finds success

ST. GEORGE — Get ready to party for a good cause. The Dixie Foundation will be holding their annual Fire and Ice fundraising Gala on Feb. 26 at SunRiver St. George. This black-tie event raises funds used exclusively for need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. One hundred percent of the contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts.

A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Josie Wight. As a single mother who escaped Colorado City and two arranged marriages 10 years ago, this mother of four currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Dixie Regional Medical Center during the night shifts and is enrolled in the DSU nursing program during the day.

“The life altering circumstance that I believe qualified me to be a needs-based scholarship recipient is I am an ex-FLDS woman who never had the opportunity for education or higher education until I left that situation,” Wight said.  “Receiving this scholarship has really helped me out because I don’t know what I would have done without it. I couldn’t continue on as I was before and I couldn’t quit working. I didn’t want to quit school. I worked too long and too hard to get here, but I needed the assistance the Fire and Ice scholarship so graciously gave me. I cannot thank them enough for all they have allowed me to do.”

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie Foundation president, said:

We’ve had the opportunity, over the past 11 years, to raise $1.8 million for need-based scholarships. These scholarships make it possible for recipients to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives. This is only possible where we live in a community with such generous citizens, both individual and corporate.

The 12th Annual Fire and Ice Gala is open to everyone, however, advance tickets are required. Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502. To learn more about the gala or the Dixie Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or [email protected] or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

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