Auctioneer Larry Schorno (left) & state Rep. J.T. Wilcox,
Yelm Dollars for Scholars 2014 auction.
Photo credit: Barbra Kates Photography, used with permission.

– “The Secret of Yelm Dollars for Scholars’ Success”

“Larry Schorno has led hundreds of auctions, but Yelm Dollars for Scholars has a special place in his heart. “It’s my passion,” he says. “I don’t think there’s another auction in the state that can come close to it both in terms of money and participation. We’re not a high-end community, but we get a great response.” Since 1991, the program has given away more than $2 million in scholarships to Yelm High School seniors.

It’s a far cry from 1960, when Bob and Kathy Wolf were approached by the president of the local Lions Club.”

“The couple started the Yelm Community Scholarship Fund, and in that first year gave out two $100 scholarships.”
“Kathy was the mayor of Yelm from 1993 to 2001.”

Larry Schorno says the key to success is the community. ‘It takes a lot of work. Every year, there are people that give their whole heart to the organization,’ he says. ‘For the auction, I have ten major donors that I can count on every year.’ Although Yelm has various factions that don’t always see eye to eye, the event brings everyone together, says Schorno. ‘This is something that everyone can get behind. It’s the most unifying event in this community.'” by Heidi Smith, Thurston Talk.
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