AmeriCorps to hold fundraiser

Tyshana Burgess, a freshman at Federal Way High School, dreams of one day playing Division I basketball in college and pursuing a degree in law.

She’s on the path toward achieving those dreams, partly because of Federal Way folks who have a sweet tooth.

Burgess received a scholarship to pay for her basketball athletic participation fees at Federal Way. The scholarship money was raised from an AmeriCorps Sweets for Success dessert benefit auction.

Without the scholarship, Burgess said her family would have been unable to afford the $120 athletic participation fee. Participating in basketball has motivated Burgess to keep her grades up, she said.

The AmeriCorps will sponsor its fourth annual Sweets for Success dessert benefit auction from 6 to 9 p.m. May 16 at Todd Beamer High School.

The event raises money for middle and high school students who are unable to pay fees required to participate in sports, speech and debate, music and the arts. Students from all Federal Way secondary schools who cannot afford participation fees are eligible for the scholarships.

This year’s Sweets for Success event will feature all student entertainment including a middle school band, a piano solo, a STOMP performance and a singing performance. Silent auction baskets include certificates for services from the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, Courtyard by Marriott in Federal Way, Curves gym and Good For You Massage and Spa.

As the name implies, there will be plenty of desserts at the benefit. For $1 per slice, attendees can try desserts from Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse, Metropolitan Market, Three Chicks Catering, Affairs Restaurant and Bakery, Cheesecake Factory, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Essential Baking Company, Marie Callender’s and Top Foods.

Danielle Bonner, an AmeriCorps member who is coordinating the event, said this year organizers aim to raise $25,000.

Contact Margo Hoffman: mhoffman@fedwaymirror.com