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OREM — Fifteen single moms in Utah were given scholarships Thursday to carry out their dream of finishing college.
The Live Your Dream nonprofit provided $37,500 in scholarships through a fundraiser at the Links at Sleepy Ridge in Orem. The scholarships will enable the women to pursue higher education, fulfill their career aspirations and provide for their families.
Katie Bunnell, co-founder and president of Live Your Dream, began the nonprofit organization in 2010 as a way to support mothers who needed an extra boost to support themselves and their families. The cause hits close to home for Bunnell, who in 2005 unexpectedly lost her husband.
As a stay-at-home mom with an infant daughter and no degree at the time, she decided to go back to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in integrated studies. She completed the program within two and a half years and felt inspired to help other women who needed an education.
"Education changed everything for me," Bunnell said. "We created Live Your Dream to give single mothers the support they need to gain the confidence, credentials and tools to provide for their families. These scholarships represent hope, opportunity and the power to transform lives."
The organization semiannually provides scholarships to "Utah-based single mothers enrolled in or planning to attend college, university, technical school or other qualifying educational programs," according to the team.
The scholarships typically fund tuition, class fees and textbooks, depending on need and availability of funds. Thursday, the organization held a fundraiser to provide scholarship money for 15 unsuspecting women. The golf-themed fundraiser allowed for teams to sponsor the women, play rounds of golf and enjoy a lunch and program to honor the scholarship recipients. A silent auction and raffle also contributed to the fundraising efforts.
The awards given aim to help the mothers create better lives for themselves and their families.
"It honestly gives us a bit of financial ease. It also makes you feel empowered and like there is support through other people," said Jacklyn Crandall, one of the recipients of a scholarship.
The children of the scholarship recipients have also been inspired by their parents’ efforts to gain higher education.
"Getting an education that allows me to financially support my children and myself is not only empowering, but it provides a lifestyle that is much better," said scholarship recipient Jan Thomas. "It shows my kids that their mom can do difficult things and so can they."
Bunnel said that, through the organization, hundreds of women’s lives have been changed.
"We’re proud to partner with our community to invest in women who are working incredibly hard to break cycles of poverty and create stability for their families," Bunnell added. "This event not only raises vital funds — it brings people together around a shared belief in second chances and new beginnings."
Volunteers, donors and the women themselves make the organization possible.
"It is so important to back these women who are at difficult points in their lives," said Ashley Barry, a part-time employee for the organization. "There is no way to know what ripple effect will happen. If we just help one person, it can go on to help so many others."
To learn more about Live Your Dream, apply for a scholarship or find information about the event, visit the organization’s website.
