Former Camden Haven High School student Bethany Bruggemann is living proof the Hastings Education Fund is providing better futures for local aspiring youth.
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Bethany spoke at Thursday's annual appreciation night for gold sponsors, held this year at Newman College with more than 70 people in attendance.
"Every journey starts with a small step and the Hastings Education Fund (HEF) has given me a major helping hand with my first step, and for that I'll be forever grateful," she told the crowd.
After a 97.3 ATAR result last year, Bethany has gone on to study midwifery in her desire to "put my good marks and results simply towards helping others."
"I am looking forward to being the change I want to see in the world," she said with the desire to eventually pursue missionary work.
"In 2011, I went as part of an Anglican youth group mission to an orphanage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I taught English and built accommodation."
HEF is a community-based fund that provides financial assistance and encouragement to local students as they pursue further education, training or chosen vocation.
It was formed in 2011 and is managed by a committee of local volunteers who rely on donations from individuals, businesses and organisations in our local community.
Over $100,000 has been raised from the local community since 2011.
The Chairman of the Hastings Education Fund, Peter Cuskelly, acknowledged the ongoing support of all sponsors and said this year's backers branched out from Port Macquarie to include Wauchope businesses.
Mr Cuskelly told the crowd the fund's impact can make a major difference to helping get students through initial difficulties and financial hurdles in those important early aspirational steps.
"Students accept they'll have to take out a hefty loan to cover course costs at the outset and we tend to mention a figure of $30,000 when you look at all the costs associated with the journey of higher education," Mr Cuskelly said.
"That's the kind of figure I used to have to set aside for a first home loan deposit so every bit of financial help is crucial, and for that we thank the sponsors and supporters of this fund.
"Next year, we hope we can work into agreements with Camden Haven supporters."
Major sponsors, Hastings Co-operative, announced plans on the night to further support HEF.
Chief Executive Officer for Hastings Co-operative, Allan Gordon, said his organisation will place specially marked collection tins at each of the Co-op's business interests.
"The Co-op and the Holiday Coast Credit Union will contribute dollar for dollar on what has been raised in those collection tins up to the value of $5000," Mr Gordon said.
HEF grants are not based on academic ability but rather on financial need. They are distributed in the form of reimbursement for computer hardware/software, textbooks, uniforms, equipment, tools of trade, travel, accommodation, etc.
Mr Cuskelly summed up the spirit in the room by pointing to the uniting force the HEF provides benefactors.
"We create a sense of belonging that shows students they are in a community that cares and values them," he said.
"We believe in them and share their dreams - they often say that belief from someone outside of their family and friends is one of the most important things in their world."
HEF patrons, John and Helen Ross, both individually thanked the sponsors, the HEF board of management and the Newman College staff and students who were exceptional hosts.
