Tulalip Tribes award $9K to Mercer Island youth theater

Published 9:16 am Tuesday, August 31, 2010

This week the Tulalip Tribes announced the award of $115,000 for regional education activities. Mercer Island’s Youth Theatre Northwest will receive $9,166 for scholarships, summer play support and classes for students. The award will also benefit 15 other programs located in Seattle, Olympia, Marysville and Burien, among other Puget Sound cities. The awards provide program support, supplies, technology and direct assistance for needy youth.

“Quality education in our community can only be achieved through improving the education environment, helping needy students overcome distractions to learning, and promoting parental involvement in our schools and education process,” said Mel Sheldon, chairman of the Tulalip Tribes, in a press release. “We are also dedicated to closing the achievement gap by focusing critical assistance on our most needy children.”

In 2009, the Tribes provided more than $4.3 million to more than 225 organizations throughout Washington state. Organizations may apply for funding through the Tribes Charitable Fund Web site at www.tulalipcares.org. Each year the Tribes invite award recipients to “Raising Hands, A Celebration of Community” to honor their leadership and community service. The event will take place on Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tulalip Resort Casino, Orca Ballroom.