Oak Harbor Rotary’s Scholarship Benefit Dinner/Auction on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge will have a Mardi Gras theme with sumptuous dining featuring food prepared by Scott Fraser, from Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, and an auction followed by dancing to the music of Savage Jazz Trio.

Each year the club has a major fundraiser event for its scholarship program.

“This year the Rotary Club of Oak Harbor will be giving $25,000 in both academic and vocational areas,” said Kathy De Tuerk, club president.

If people want to participate and help with a donation to the scholarship benefit auction or attend, they can call Jeff Wallin at 360-914-7482.

The goal of members of Rotary Club of Oak Harbor is put their efforts to change lives and help their community as well a social causes in under developed parts of the world.

One of the club’s major projects for the past 17 years has been awarding scholarships to deserving graduating seniors from Oak Harbor High School.

“It began in the mid ‘90s with the club awarding $4,000 in academic scholarships,” said Chris Gaustad, the chairman of the Scholarship Committee.

Over the years the Rotary Club of Oak Harbor increased the amounts. There have been several years when as much as $30,000 has been given in scholarships.

“More than $250,000 worth of scholarships have be presented to local high school students,”  Gaustad stated.

At last year’s high school award ceremonies, Oak Harbor Rotary provided eight, $3,000 academic awards and two $1,000 vocational technical awards.

Applicants are evaluated on these categories:  grade point, financial need, work and community activities, school activities and a short narrative describing their educational goals.