Clown Band to launch George F. Wilson Memorial Endowment during Wednesday scholarship recipient concert.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — In addition to my “day job” I am the treasurer of the Scottville Clown Band. One of the best things I get to do annually is to write out checks for high school-aged performing arts students to attend summer music programs. This year, 26 students received $5,440 worth of scholarships through the Raymond Schulte Memorial Scholarship program.

These students will be attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Interlochen Academy of the Arts, Wolverine Band Camp, Central Michigan University drum major camp and others.

The money is a combination of funds budgeted by the band and memorial donations made each year.

The scholarship recipients will be recognized Wednesday, June 10, during the Clown Band’s annual Ludington Waterfront Concert, hosted by the Ludington Area Jaycees at Waterfront Park.

The 7 p.m. concert will also be the kickoff of the band’s new George F. Wilson Memorial Endowment fundraiser. The goal of the endowment fund, which will be invested in the Community Foundation of Mason County, is to raise $100,000. The band, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, intends  to payout scholarships through interest raised by the endowment after the goal is reached.

“Mason County and the surrounding areas have always had a rich heritage in the performing arts,” said Clown Band President Jim Lindenau. “The George F. Wilson Memorial Endowment will allow the Clown Band to continue its mission of investing in youth and encouraging them to continue a lifelong pursuit of the arts. This fund will also assure that the legacy of the Clown Band continues for many years to come.”

A collection will take place during the concert. The band plans to hold collections during its two Scottville concerts this summer as well. Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship fund may send a check to: Scottville Clown Band, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454; designate “endowment” in the memo.

Wednesday’s concert will also be an opportunity for the Ludington Area Jaycees to pay tribute to this year’s Freedom Festival parade Grand Marshal, Todd Reed.