The Edmonds-based Hazel Miller Foundation announced Thursday that it has awarded large grants to several civic and educational organizations, including the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Foundation (already reported on My Edmonds News) and the Edmonds School District, as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, Pacific Science Center (travelling programs), and Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes & Drums Band.

The grant to the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Foundation is for support of the annual “It’s an Edmonds Kind of Fourth” event. The Hazel Miller Foundation will be the official sponsor of the 4th of July fireworks show, as well as the fun run, parades, and an array of activities provided free to the public. The Chamber has received $25,000 for this celebration, which they and the Hazel Miller Foundation hope will increase community participation and involvement in local events.

The Edmonds School District has received $25,000 for the Rachel’s Challenge Anti-bullying Program. Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine School shooting incident of 1999 and her journals and memory have inspired the development of this program. Rachel’s Challenge provides a format to build an anti-bullying infrastructure within schools through teacher and administrator trainings, student assemblies and clubs, and assemblies for parents and community members.  This program will help fill Washington State’s updated anti-bullying law requirements to implement systems that reduce and prevent bullying by August 2011.

Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County received $10,000 for summer day camp scholarships at the Edmonds Club. These “camperships” will allow children who might otherwise be left unattended during the summer months to engage with peers and adult mentors in recreational and educational activities in a safe environment.  This addresses a rising need for families who are choosing between child care and basic necessities due to employment challenges.

Pacific Science Center received $5,000 to bring their Science on Wheels program to schools and libraries in the Edmonds School District.  Science on Wheels provides assemblies, class lessons, and a mobile hands-on exhibit in order to inspire a lifelong interest in science, mathematics and technology.

Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes & Drums is the official pipe band of active-duty Snohomish County Firefighters.  “Intended to increase camaraderie and honor the tradition of paying respect to fallen service members, Pipes & Drums has broadened its audience, playing for a number of community and high-profile events,” the foundation said. The have received $16,000 from the Hazel Miller Foundation for “Class A” uniforms, which will increase their standing and visibility as representatives of Snohomish County.

Martha Lake Elementary PTA received $20,000 for a playground remodel as a result of meeting the full requirements for a matching grant from the Hazel Miller Foundation.

The Hazel Miller Foundation serves the citizens of Edmonds and South Snohomish County through programs and projects that  benefit the public, especially in the areas of education and youth services, poverty alleviation and hunger, civic and community services and amenities, the environment, and culture and the arts. Hazel and her husband, Morris Miller, were committed members of the Edmonds’ community.

For additional information, visit https://hazelmillerfoundation.org.