We are thrilled to announce that $100,000 has been raised for the Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Lift Off Education Scholarship.
In memory of cherished local Bella Ainsworth, a passionate community champion and advocate, Bella’s friend Fiona Smolenaars set a target to raise $100,000 to establish the scholarship.
Fiona’s vision for the scholarship was to provide a gift to the community in Bella’s name available to a Goulburn Valley student every year — forever more.
With Bella’s blessing, Fiona approached Greater Shepparton Foundation to support her fundraising efforts and administer the scholarship alongside its long-standing Lift Off Education Scholarship program.
With the funds raised, Greater Shepparton Foundation is honoured to administer this perpetual scholarship that is awarded to a local young person requiring support to achiever their further education aspirations.
The scholarship is a legacy for Bella’s family to be proud of, one that continues her love of seeing young people achieve their dreams and potential in perpetuity.
The inaugural Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship was awarded this year to Denni Bathman and was presented by Bella's husband Mitch and her Dad Garry.
“It is an immense honour to be the recipient of the inaugural Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Lift Off Scholarship,” Deni said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of the many young people whose life was touched by Bella’s guidance and mentorship.
“I met her in 2021 through the Greater Shepparton “Young Champs” Youth Council, where she quickly became a source of encouragement and support.
“Her belief in me was a constant source of motivation.
“This scholarship will greatly relieve the financial pressure of university, allowing me to focus on my studies and career goals without distraction.
“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity, and I am committed to making the most of it by continuing to give back to my community.”
We congratulate Fiona on achieving the fundraising target and sincerely thank everyone, individuals and businesses, that supported Fiona’s efforts and contributed to the fundraising campaign in memory of Bella.
A list of those that contributed can be found on the Greater Shepparton Foundation website.
Please note there are some donors that wish to remain anonymous, we sincerely thank them too and have acknowledged their support privately.
“It’s been highly energising to raise the money and I’m so proud that we can remember Bella like this,” Fiona said.
While the fundraising target has been reached, the fund remains open via the ‘Scholarship’ page on the Greater Shepparton Foundation website and donations will continue to be accepted, which ultimately means more scholarships can be distributed.
To find out more, visit the website www.greatershepparton.foundation
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
