J
im and Dora Buchner were long-time Whittier residents, but vacationing in the Coachella Valley grew into a deep connection to the community. For years, the couple spent weekends and holidays in the desert, becoming active participants in their church and the Italian Catholic Federation (IFC).
Through church and the ICF, the Buchners connected with a youth group called “Los Amigos.” Impressed with the youth, Jim began to wonder if there might be a way he could help make a difference in their lives.
“Jim would often sit with them, and they would talk about their future, school, work, and finances,” said Dora. “They always left Jim thinking about their future and the needs of Cathedral City High School students.”
Dora knows firsthand what a difference having the opportunity to get an education can make in a young person’s life. So, the Buchners decided that establishing a scholarship program specifically for Cathedral High School students would be the best way to make this happen.
“When I was a little girl, we were migrant workers,” said Dora. “At night my father would drill us on the multiplication tables in Spanish. My dad always said that you have to learn English and he always motivated us.”
Later, the family bought a farm and settled in San Diego, allowing Dora to pursue a college education. She graduated from Whittier College, the first in her family to get a degree. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Education and spent 50 years in the field of education, both teaching and administration.
Creating a Scholarship Fund and a Legacy
When Jim passed away, Dora connected with IECF to make the scholarship fund they had envisioned a reality. Dora also became a member of the Brouse Legacy Society, ensuring that the scholarships will continue to serve youth.
“Jim was a very giving person, and much of our lives have been engaged in giving,” said Dora. “When we were young, it was about giving time. And we ultimately decided that this was what we wanted to do with the money that we had.”
Dora said that working with IECF has made managing a scholarship fund possible for her.
“IECF runs everything for us, and we sit down and go through the applicants. They set up the interviews for us. I can’t say enough about that because it takes a big load off your mind,” she said.
Dora also says that connecting with the students who are awarded the scholarships and their parents is very meaningful to her. She sees some of them at her church and says they take the time to give her a hug and talk to her.
“The scholarship may not be that big, but they feel good about themselves,” she said. “I tell them that it’s only one scholarship and only one year, but there is a lot of money out there waiting for them if they keep looking and applying.”
A Catalyst for Achieving Dreams
Dora feels that the scholarships can be a catalyst that encourages these youth to take the leap to pursue higher education. The connection and responsibility they feel toward their families can make leaving to go to school difficult. Being awarded a scholarship can be motivating and help them believe that they can complete a degree and ultimately help their families more than they would without one.
“I hope it improves the quality of life for the students and that they come back into our community and serve the people here,” said Dora. “That’s what I’m hoping for. It’s their choice, but we are helping to give them more options.”
In 2013, Dora moved to the desert permanently, where she can continue to connect with the youth her scholarships support and encourage. She also invests her time volunteering at her church as a lector and facilitating a bereavement group. She said that becoming a permanent part of the community was a wonderful decision.
“I have a great circle of friends, terrific neighbors, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets,” said Dora. “At over 80 years old,it is still a wonderful world and with God’s blessings I am part of it. The Good Lord has given me many blessings and it is my responsibility to give back.”
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