Kiwanis to Host Fourth Annual Turn Around Scholarship Fundraiser
Jun 26, 2025 10:32AM ● By Carol Prinzo, Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta
Four of the six students who received $1,000 scholarships funded by the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta through last year’s farm to fork dinner are pictured with Kiwanian Jeanette Edwards. From left are Valeria Romo Porras, Jacob Borlak, Anaya Smith and Samar Yaida. The scholarships were awarded during the “Spotlight on Scholarships” event hosted May 1 by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation at Creekside Christian Church. Courtesy photo
RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta will host its fourth annual fundraiser for the Turn Around Scholarship (TAS) Program on Sept. 27 at the Rancho Murieta Country Club. This farm to fork dinner celebrates the power of community generosity and the remarkable resilience of local students.
Last year, the country club and Chef KC Brown delivered an exceptional evening, and the Kiwanis Club is excited to partner with them once again for what promises to be another memorable night.
The TAS Program provides scholarships to graduating seniors from the Elk Grove Unified School District who have overcome personal or academic challenges and graduated with a GPA of at least 3.0. These students aren’t eligible for traditional scholarships, but their perseverance and transformation make them stand out.
Thanks to the community’s support at last year’s dinner, the Kiwanis Club was able to provide six $1,000 scholarships. They were awarded during the “Spotlight on Scholarships” event hosted by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation on Creekside Christian Church on May 1.
The impact was deeply felt, as shown in the words of the recipients:
Jaskiran Kaur – “Thank you for selecting me to receive your scholarship. I’m genuinely grateful to be recognized and for your generous support. More than financial support, being chosen for this scholarship has shown me once again how valuable the community is, and it has motivated me even more to continue working hard. Your helping hand in my future inspires me to make the most of every chance and opportunity that comes my way.”
Samar Yaida – “Your generosity has inspired me to keep pushing forward, and I hope one day to be in a position to help other students the way you helped me.”
Maria Ruia – “Your generosity not only helps me but inspires me to keep working hard to one day work in a medical field and help others just like your support has helped me. “
Jacob Borlak – “Your generosity and commitment to supporting students like me inspires me to strive for excellence and give back to my community whenever possible. Your support means more than words can express.”
Valeria Romo Porras – “Thank you so much for choosing me to be a recipient of the Turn Around Scholarship. I am beyond grateful to have received the support from a great organization like the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta.”
Anaya Smith – “Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude towards choosing me as your scholarship recipient. This money will aid me in living out my dream of attending a 4-year university, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
This year’s event will feature a four-course dinner, highlighted by a Mocha Rubbed Bistro Filet and a full, no-host bar. Guests may also bring their favorite wine for a $20 corkage fee.
Tickets are $80 and will be available for purchase from Aug. 11 through Sept. 19 at rmkiwanis.org. Seating is limited to 200 guests, and each table accommodates up to 10 people.
Those who purchase tickets together will be seated together.
As in years past, Key Club students will serve as waitstaff, earning community service hours in the process.
A tip jar at each table helps to raise funds for their service projects, and participating Boy Scouts will help with tear-down after the event. Tips will be divided among the youth groups.
We are again seeking creative volunteer table hostesses whose centerpiece designs bring charm and personality to each table: a treasured tradition of the evening.
Mark your calendar for Sept. 27 and join us in supporting this very worthy cause.
Carol Prinzo is a Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta director.
