Lincoln-Way business group raises record amount for scholarships

The Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization held another successful holiday auction Dec. 4 at the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545 in New Lenox.

The auction netted about $38,000, according to organization spokesperson Jennifer M. McManus.

Last year the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization raised $36,827.90 and in 2022 the organization raised $28,000.

“Each year we raise more money,” McManus said.

“We have not come up with the exact amount we’re going to award, but it’s going to be the same as or more than last year.”

—  Jennifer M. McManus, Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization

The primary goal of the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization – which became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2024, McManus said – is to raise money for scholarships to women living in New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan or a graduate of Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, according to the organization’s website.

[ Founder of Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization honored ]

The number and size of the annual scholarships varies based on the amount the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization is able to raise, according to the website.

Stephanie Marquardt served as chairperson of the 2024 auction and “it was a beautiful auction,” McManus said.

“We always work so well together,” she said of the auction committee.

Students from the Lincoln-Way District 210 LIFE Transition program, which serves students with special needs, helped prepped the auction baskets, McManus said.

And youth members of the Girl Scouts of the USA worked with the auction committee to earn community service hours needed to graduate, she said.

The Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization typically reviews 50 to 75 applications and then interviews 20 to 28 scholarship applicants, McManus previously said.

“We will review approximately 70 applications and will interview approximately 28 individuals this year,” McManus said.

In 2022, 24 young women were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization.

In 2023, the 30 young women were each awarded a $1,250 scholarship from Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization. In 2024, 26 young women were each awarded a $1,450 scholarship.

McManus said the organization always hopes to increase the amount each year.

“We have not come up with the exact amount we’re going to award,” she said, “but it’s going to be the same as or more than last year.”

For more information, visit lwabwo.org.

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