Chamber Foundation
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501c3 organization that is managed in conjunction with the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Our Foundation provides academic and trades/based scholarships for Marion High School seniors. Donation from Chamber members and various fundraisers support our foundation.
Our annual Grad Spree Program is based within the Foundation and is funded through event sponsorship and donations..
If you would like to learn more about the Foundation, please contact the Chamber office at
618-997-6311
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards scholarships based on the amount of money generated by the fundraising efforts from the previous year. The scholarships offered by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation for this school year are:
- John A. Logan College One-Year Tuition Waiver - 1 awarded each year
- Online Application
- $1,500 Grad Spree Scholarship - 1 awarded each year
- Online Application
- $1,000 Trades and Apprenticeship Scholarship - 2 awarded each year
- Online Application
Scholarship applications are available through the Marion High School Guidance Office from Dec - March.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee is responsible for reviewing and awarding the Chamber Foundation Scholarships.
FOUNDATION EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Bass Tournament Committee
The annual Bass Tournament usually takes place in the spring and is a fundraiser for the Foundation.
A Chamber committee organizes and plans the event.
Grad Spree Committee
Grad Spree is a drug/alcohol free celebration for the Marion High School graduating seniors. The Grad Spree event takes place on the night of Marion High School Graduation and is funded by the Foundation to ensure a free and fun event.
A Chamber committee organizes and plans the event.
Duck Spree! A Grad Spree Fundraiser
This event takes place at the HUB in Marion and features ducks sponsored by local busineses and individuals.
The ducks race in various heats in the lazy river.
FOUNDATION BOARD
Board members include the Executive Committee of the Marion Chamber of Commerce and additional members of the Chamber community: 2023 Executive Committee Officers include:
- President: Ashley Gott, Williamson County Treasurer
- Vice President: Jared Garrison, The Pavilion
- Treasurer: Toni Perkins, US Bank
- Secretary: Mindy Reid, Banterra Bank
- Additional members include Michelle Hamilton, Deborah Hogg, Matt Carnaghi, Kimberly Walker, and Karen Mullins.
The Foundation finances are managed separately from the Chamber finances, with monthly updates to the Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
