YORK COUNTY — The York County Council of the Maine Association of REALTORS recently held its Annual Scholarship Auction at the Regatta Banquet & Conference Center in Eliot which is is organized each year by a volunteer committee comprised of REALTORS® and Affiliates in an effort to provide York County graduating high school students an opportunity to receive either a $1,250 or $2,500 scholarship.

The award is intended to assist college bound students who are pursuing a two-year vocational related degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree with the expenses associated with a higher education. Last year, 12 scholarships were awarded to York County students totaling $26,500 and this year more will be expected as a result of the success of the event.

This year’s auction had a crowd of more than 120 people from all over York County and Seacoast New Hampshire and raised $39,000 with nearly $18,000 in cash donations.

Residential Mortgage Services was the Platinum Level Donor this year generously contributing $2,500. Other major cash donors include Mortgage Network, Regency Mortgage, Coldwell Banker Yorke Realty, Fairway Mortgage, Norcom Mortgage, RE/MAX Realty One, Key Bank, ServPro of Southern York County, and The Maine Real Estate Network.

“This event continues to grow every year and the generosity of our York County local businesses and our REALTOR® and Affiliate membership is incredibly inspiring. We have successfully surpassed all expected goals each year and are excited to announce we have raised over $107,000 in just four years,” said Lori Barrett, committee chair and broker with Coldwell Banker York Realty. “That equates to a lot of scholarships awarded. People were very generous again this year and willing to step up their giving even more than they did last year, which was also hugely successful.”

According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for college continues to rise. U.S. News data shows that among national universities, tuition and fees have soared the most for in-state students over the last 10 years.

The average in-state tuition and fees at public schools increased from $6,468 in the 2007-2008 academic year to $10,691 in 2017-2018 — a 65 percent jump, according to data reported by 300 ranked National Universities in an annual survey. In comparison, the average tuition and fees at a private university rose by 49 percent, and the average out-of-state tuition and fees climbed 55 percent during that same period.

“Every dollar we raise directly helps these kids reach their goals,” said Robin Estes, committee co-chair and local Business Development leader with Summit Title Services. “Awarding one scholarship at a time helps change lives and build our future generation. That’s exactly why we are all so passionate about what we do,” she said.

All York County high school seniors who are continuing their education after graduation are encouraged to apply. The awards are not need-based so everyone is eligible. Academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities are a few of the criteria considered.

Applications will be available at high school guidance offices in February 2018. Due to the direct success of the event held in September this year, multiple scholarships are expected to be awarded.

Recipients who are selected will be honored at a breakfast reception held in June at the York Harbor Inn in York Harbor.

The success of this auction is largely due to the continued commitment and generosity of all the REALTORS®, Affiliates, business and individual donations, sponsors, cash donors and especially the winning bidders who attended the auction.

Members of the York County Council continue to reach out to the communities they serve providing assistance and support in various ways.

For more information about YCCOR visit www.YorkCountyCouncil.com.

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