1. What is Les Novelettes and can you tell us about the upcoming fundraiser?
Les Novelettes Club was organized on June 30, 1950. The club's constitution was written between 1950-1954. The motto chosen was "Unity for Progress." The aims were to provide scholarships that would support the educational endeavors of local high school students heading toward a higher institution of learning. One other very important component of this club was and continues to be lending charitable aid to the community. One of our proudest achievements was raising funds that resulted in the purchase of band uniforms for the students at Warren Middle School. This year the club will celebrate its 65th anniversary at a fundraising event to be held at the Heritage Center, 107 Delaware, in Leavenworth on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. There will be dinner, dancing and live entertainment. The attire is semi-formal and the tickets are $50. For ticket information, please call 913-306-7079 or 913-306-4680.
2. What has been the club's primary mission over the 65 years of its existence? What are a few of the success stories of scholarship winners?
The club's primary mission over the past 65 years and beyond is to continue in its efforts to encourage and support the educational aspirations of our youth. To date, Les Novelettes has awarded thousands of scholarship dollars to 153 graduating seniors from Leavenworth, Lansing and Immaculata High Schools. Three additional scholarships will be awarded in May for a total of 156. There have been many success stories through the years, some of which have been featured in my "Walkin' the Talk" column for the Leavenworth Times. Many of our recipients are living their dreams in some of the most coveted professions.
3. What are some of the ways that Les Novelettes has made a difference in the lives of many young men and women in our area?
Through leading by example, it appears that many recipients have adopted our conviction in the concept of "Paying it Forward" which is the firm belief of repaying the generosity of others by giving something of value to someone else. Through their professions, they have gone on to honor the generosity of this community while serving as military leaders or becoming an integral part of the health care system or dedicating their skills to education, etc. And so it goes that Les Novelettes' ability to ease the financial burdens of so many is directly related to the benevolence of this community.
4. How has the club changed over the decades and what are members still committed to?
Over time, Les Novelettes became more determined and committed to expand the scope of its fundraising abilities. In order to reach out to broader funding opportunities, the club applied for and received a 501(c)3 charitable status. As a result, local businesses and private donors could realize the advantages of a tax deduction. Club members will continue to invest their leadership and commitment to our youth by modeling basic values and a personal responsibility for good deeds. As our motto indicates, we have been "United" for 65 years and our "Progress" has become legend.
5. How can residents who are interested in joining Les Novelettes find out more and how can people who are unable to attend the fundraiser make a donation to the club?
Names of candidates for membership and a brief biography are brought to the club through the present members and if there is a vacancy, a selection is made from among the list of candidates. Donations to the club can be made at any time either by contacting a member or by mail at P.O. Box 877, Leavenworth, KS, 66048.
Les Novelettes Club celebrated its 65th anniversary at a dinner/dance/fundraiser Saturday at the Heritage
Center.
– Rimsie McConiga of The Leavenworth Times
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