Illumination education: Woman’s Club fundraises scholarships with luminaria

Jul 14, 2021

MARION — Red, white and blue lights lined the streets of Marion on Independence Day weekend — and they did more than just look pretty.

“Illuminate to Educate,” a Sippican Woman’s Club fundraiser, reached its goal to fund scholarships for 2022 Marion graduates.

With help from funds raised by the red, white and blue luminaria, the Woman’s Club will donate $10,000 for scholarships.

The club has been donating around $10,000 per year for about 10 years, Woman’s Club Vice President of Fundraising Lee Williamson said. But the club has been giving out scholarships for 50.

This year, Williamson said the luminaria were well received, especially in the wake of covid restrictions.

She said the luminaria were “something we could come together and enjoy as a community.”

Luminaria were sold around town for $25. Williamson said some Woman’s Club members donated extra to be able to decorate some of the town properties, like the Old Island Wharf and Town House.

“It really looked lovely, I think,” Williamson said.

Community members decorated their private docks, houses and communities with the luminaria.

“Everybody was getting creative, which is what we were hoping for,” Williamson said.

Williamson said she’s hoping for “even greater participation” when the luminaria are sold again next year.