[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sweetwater County came together once again in the spirit of giving at the 5th Annual Kari’s Access Awards Winter Fundraiser, held January 20.

The popular event featured live music by the jazz band Affirmation & Jason Dreher, a silent auction, raffles and an enjoyable evening of wine & beer tasting, all benefitting local youth through the non-profit, Kari’s Access Awards (KAA).

This year’s benefit raised over $32,000, of which all will go directly to benefit local students. The funds raised by KAA are used for non-traditional scholarships distributed throughout the year.

I would like to thank all of you who reached out, attended, and or donated in person for your continued support. This night was once again a huge success for local students! Thank You!!

-Father of Kari and Founder, Larry Fusselman

The event consisted of numerous varieties of wines that were available for tasting, as well as several types of beer from local and regional distributors and breweries. Steve Core, 2016 Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year, was the emcee throughout the evening.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”187340,187341,187343,187344,187345,187346,187347,187348,187349,187350,187351,187352,187353,187354,187355,187356,187357,187358,187360,187362,187363,187364,187365,187366,187367,187368,187369,187370,187371,187373,187375,187376,187377,187378,187379,187380,187381,187382,187383,187384,187385,187386″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

WHAT IS KARI’S ACCESS AWARDS

Kari’s Access Awards is an endowment fund started in 2006 by Larry Fusselman, in memory of his daughter Kari (Kay) Fusselman who was a student at Westridge Elementary, White Mountain Junior High, and Rock Springs High School.

The fund gives School District #1 students access to non-traditional scholarships. These scholarships allow students to participate in outside programs, enhancing learning and personal growth beyond their daily school activities. Students apply directly or are recommended through friends, teachers and family. The scholarships are then awarded based on a set criteria composed of need, attendance, and academics.

Kari’s Access Awards receives all funding from private donations and their annual fundraiser.

Their committee is all volunteer and includes community members passionate about the future of our local youth. They include: Jessica Maser, Chairperson, Kayci Arnoldi, Art Castillo, Gary Collins, Carrie Ellison, Weston Lamb, Kori Rossetti and Andrea Tate.

Kari’s Access Awards opens new opportunities to students; bringing out the best in each student one child at a time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]