Editorial<br><br>Show our youth support by attending a Western Auction<br>

One local service club — the Williams Rotary Club — has proven their belief in “our youth are our future” by providing scholarships to graduating Williams High School students faithfully for countless years. Last year, the club provided two students with $1,500 scholarships and one with a $1,000 scholarship.

The funds for the scholarships came from the Third Annual Western Auction held in October of 2002. That auction raised $4,000, which Rotarians hope to surpass with the Fourth Annual Western Auction. This year’s Western Auction is set for Feb. 7 at Doc Holliday’s Steakhouse. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host social hour. A prime rib dinner complete with all of the trimmings will follow. The cost of the dinner is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Door prizes will be given away throughout the evening.

At 7 p.m., a professional auctioneer will auction off items donated by area businesses and individuals. More than 30 items have been secured so far and feature an 1880’s original saddle and display rack, cellular phones, a western painting and a one-night vacation package. Because the success of the fund-raiser is contingent upon the amount of prizes donated, Rotarians are seeking as many items to be auctioned off as possible. If you want to donate a prize, contact any Rotarian. Donation forms can also be obtained by sending an e-mail to Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Donna Cochran at dcochran@williamschamber.com.

Enjoy an evening of fun while supporting the youth of our community. Tickets for the auction can be purchased at the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, the Williams-Grand Canyon News or from any Rotarian. For more information, contact event coordinator Dennis Wells at (928) 635-4451.

If an evening at an auction is not your cup of tea, there are endless opportunities to nurture our youth. If you were short of cash in December due to the holidays and did not donate to the Arizona School Tax Credit, do so earlier this year when you are not so pressed for extra cash. The donation will cost you nothing. Any citizen who paid state taxes during the year can donate to the Arizona School Tax Credit. The maximum amount for those who claim single status on their tax return is $200. For those who file jointly, the maximum amount is $250. Give now and your donation will be refunded to you when you file your income taxes next year.

The tax credit provides a vehicle for you to personally boost extra-curricular activities to enhance what is offered locally to our children. The benefits they will reap from the extra boost we give them will benefit us all in the years to come. For more information, contact the Williams Unified School District office at (928) 635-4473.

The city of Williams has done more than their share to include the youth in the community. The Williams Recreation Center offers numerous activities free of charge. The Recreation Center is open from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the center is open from 2-10 p.m. The Skate Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30 –8:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the Skate Shed is open from 2:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, call 635-1496.

Open daily, the Williams Aquatic Center offers a wide variety of water-related activities for all ages. One of the more popular activities includes “Free Swim” days. During “Free Swim,” anyone can swim for free from 1-4 p.m. Some “Free Swim” days have seen as many as 150 individuals enjoying the pool. “Free Swim” days are sponsored by individuals, businesses and clubs. Sponsorship for those special days is only $100. Sponsors are always welcome. For more information, contact Rose Newbold at 635-3005.

However you choose to support the youth of Williams — whether you attend sports competitions, volunteer at the school or purchase items students are selling to raise funds for extra-curricular activities — remember to treat them with respect. The youth in any community truly represents the future of that community.