“The Hispanic population in our area is growing and they are very good customers of ours,” said Brooke Insurance & Financial Services office manager Jim Hayden. “We’re happy to help make a difference in our community.”

Hayden was on hand with owner of Brooke Insurance Randy Hayden to present the check to Barton Institutional Advancement Director Darnell Holopirek. Also present to accept the contribution was La Oportunidad fund-raising committee member Michael Espinosa.

“One thing about Jim, when we first started organizing one of our community workshops at Riley (Elementary) School I came in and asked him if he would like a booth there,” said Espinosa. “He was one of the first ones there and he had a translator to help. Jim has been a long-standing supporter of the whole diverse community of Great Bend.”

La Oportunidad Fund provides the financial-need-based scholarship assistance to Hispanic students in the community. The fund was established last year as a scholarship endowment, but La Oportunidad also raises funds and accepts donations to support annually funded scholarships. Both the endowment and annually funded award have been developed to help area Hispanic traditional and non-traditional students attend college for completion of degrees or other certificate programs.

Brooke’s $250 donation will be used for the annually funded scholarship. Espinosa said two to four scholarships from La Oportunidad, ranging from $250 to $500, will be awarded this fall and the remainder will be awarded in the spring semester.
All businesses and people wanting to contribute to La Oportunidad

Fund can call the BCCC Foundation Office, 620-792-9367, or e-mail the office at holopirekd@bartonccc.edu