The Mahone Foundation 26th Reaching for Rainbows “Pursuit of Excellence” Scholarship Gala takes place Friday, May 8, at the N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center (TARC) on the campus of Carthage College in Kenosha. The evening’s festivities begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the dinner and scholarship awards program.
Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased on the Mahone Foundation website, www.mahonefund.org, or by contacting chairman@mahonefund.org. Opportunities for event sponsorship and program advertising are also available on the website.
Mahone Foundation Career Exploration Organization (CEO) scholarships, along with scholarships from Herzing University and Carthage College, will be awarded to high school students selected from more than 100 scholarship applications. Students attending Kenosha Unified School District high schools, Shoreland Lutheran, Christian Life, St. Joseph Catholic Academy High School, Racine Unified School District high schools, The Prairie School, St. Catherine’s, and Racine Lutheran were eligible to submit applications.
The Mahone Foundation’s mission supports the educational goals of students and continues to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth while supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
Reaching for Rainbows and Mahone Foundation CEO scholarships honor the inspiring legacy of Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone. Mahone Foundation Chairman Tim Mahone credits the program’s ongoing success to the dedication and generosity of donors, sponsors, and partners, as well as the commitment of all CEO scholarship recipients. “More than a quarter century of Reaching for Rainbows is a testament to the vision and inspiration of my parents, who saw education as the key to opportunity,” Mahone said. “The entire Mahone family takes great pride in how scholarship recipients contribute and give back in their communities.”
Snap-on Incorporated and Bear Real Estate Group provide financial support to the CEO scholarship program, and in many cases help develop career pathways for students. “We proudly support the Mahone Foundation Reaching for Rainbows event because we see the difference it makes in the lives of students who then become contributors in our society,” said S.R. Mills, Bear Real Estate Group chief executive officer.
Education partners Carthage College and Herzing University provide scholarships, including full-tuition awards. The scholarships are designed to transform the lives of local students. “Our goal is to give the gift of education to Kenosha and Racine’s future leaders while also supporting the life-changing work of the Mahone Foundation,” said Dr. Jeff Hill, regional president of Wisconsin campuses at Herzing University.
Carthage and the Mahone Foundation have a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities in the community. “These scholarships reflect our deep commitment to students from Kenosha and Racine,” said Ashley Hanson, vice president for enrollment at Carthage College. “Our focus remains on removing barriers and opening doors so they can discover their purpose and potential.”
Proceeds from the scholarship gala benefit the CEO college and career readiness mentoring program, providing academic and business activities for first-generation and low- to moderate-income students between the ages of 14-24. The program is designed to match students with an academic and business advisor to explore, develop, and pursue scholastic and career goals. The foundational program components are STEM education, employment and economic sustainability, and life skills development. High school seniors who participate are eligible to apply for the College Scholarship initiative, which is currently administered by the Kenosha Community Foundation.
In addition to college scholarships, the Shebaniah B. Judah Signature Award and the Dr. Bryan Albrecht Living Legend Community Award will be presented at the gala. The awards honor individuals who have shown a lifetime of leadership and commitment in support of Kenosha and Racine area youth, as well as a dedicated and sustained investment toward the success of the Mahone Foundation mission.
In support of its mission, the Mahone Foundation also presents the popular Lincoln Park Live Music Series each summer, the Harbor Park Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Festival on Kenosha’s lakefront, and PowerUp: College and Resource Fair.
The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation is a proud partner of the United Way of Kenosha County. To ensure ongoing positive community impact, the United Way of Kenosha County will serve as the Mahone Foundation’s fiscal sponsor as the foundation broadens horizons and expands services. All donations made on behalf of the Mahone Foundation will be tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Kenosha Scholarship Categories
MAHONE FOUNDATION
● Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation CEO Scholarship – up to 10 awarded at $5,000 each
HERZING
● Mahone/Herzing University Full-Tuition Scholarship
CARTHAGE
● Mahone/Carthage College Full-Tuition Scholarship
● Mahone/Carthage College Access Education Awards – up to 15 available
Racine Scholarship Categories
MAHONE FOUNDATION
● Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation CEO Scholarship – up to 10 awarded at $5,000 each
HERZING
● Mahone/Herzing University Full-Tuition Scholarship
CARTHAGE
● Mahone/Carthage College Access Education Awards – up to 15 available
About the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation
The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation‘s mission is to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth while supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
