For more information, contact Darnell Holopirek, 620-792-9367. February 27, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Story by: Michael Dawes dawesm@bartonccc.edu Espinosa Provides Effort, Money to Scholarship Cause The Natural Alternative Donates to La Oportunidad Fund at Barton

Great Bend business owner and Hispanic Advisory Council member Michael Espinosa has been instrumental in helping establish La Oportunidad Fund, a scholarship program aimed at helping Hispanic students attend Barton County Community College. He secured donations that helped establish a $10,000 endowment for La Oportunidad Fund more than a year ago, and since then,
he’s gathered money from five businesses to grow an annual fund.

The purpose of the annual fund is to make scholarships available for students now while the endowment grows. This semester, the first La Oportunidad annually funded scholarships were given to three students in awards of $500 and $250.
“If it wasn’t for Mike and his efforts, we wouldn’t be getting donations to La Oportunidad Fund,” said Barton Institutional Advancement Director Darnell Holopirek.
Last week, Espinosa took his commitment for supporting the cause a step further when his business, The Natural Alternative, donated $250 to La Oportunidad Fund for an annually funded scholarship that will be awarded next fall.

“It is important that everyone in the community helps in this effort and that includes our business,” said Espinosa. “I felt that by showing that effort is there, it may encourage others to also participate.”

La Oportunidad Fund provides financial-need-based scholarship assistance to Hispanic students in the community. A scholarship endowment portion of the fund was established two years ago, 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.

“I don’t know of any area business that doesn’t benefit either directly or indirectly from the contributions of the Hispanic population in this area,” said Espinosa. “Many local businesses are realizing, or have realized that the Hispanic community has a great economic impact on Barton County. We’re appreciative that some businesses have chosen to recognize those contributions by giving to La Oportunidad Fund.”

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