Every meaningful initiative begins with a conversation, and for the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund, one such conversation has blossomed into a powerful new opportunity for students across the CNH District.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of longtime supporters Hilding Larson and Margo Dutton, the Future Leaders Scholarship was born. What started as an idea – how to do more for the very best and brightest student leaders – quickly became a commitment. Today, that commitment is already changing lives.
Hilding, a member of the San Luis Obispo club, and Margo, a member of the North Las Vegas club, have each pledged to contribute $3,000 annually to the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund to fund scholarships in their names: the Hilding Larson Future Leaders Scholarship and the Margo Dutton Future Leaders Scholarship. Their generosity doesn’t stop there. Both have also made a lasting commitment to the future of the CNH Children’s Fund by including a gift of $50,000 or more in their estate plans.
Their leadership sets a powerful example, one that is already inspiring others to follow. Caesar J. Milch, a member of the Burbank club, stepped forward to join them, reinforcing the idea that when one person leads with purpose, others are often moved to do the same.
So what makes the Future Leaders Scholarship unique?
Each year, hundreds of dedicated Key Club and KIWIN’S students apply for scholarships through the CNH Children’s Fund. Recipients are selected based on merit, recognizing their service, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Among these outstanding applicants, a group of candidates rises to the very top.
From the highest-ranked students, the prestigious Loretta Barksdale-McElwain Memorial Scholarship – a transformative, need-based scholarship – is awarded. Building on this moment, the Future Leaders Scholarships extend that recognition even further by honoring the next tier of exceptional students who exemplify leadership, service, and promise.
In doing so, the program doesn’t just celebrate excellence; it expands opportunity. More students are recognized, more futures are supported, and the impact of each donor’s gift reaches even further.
At its heart, the Future Leaders Scholarship is about momentum, creating a pathway where generosity fuels opportunity, and opportunity inspires the next generation of leaders.
Hilding and Margo didn’t just imagine what more could be done; they made it happen. And with supporters like Caesar already stepping forward, their vision is gaining strength.
The invitation now is simple: join them.
Through an annual gift and a lasting legacy commitment, donors have the chance to invest not only in individual students, but in the future of service, leadership, and community impact across the CNH District.
Because when we invest in future leaders, we all move forward together.
To join, contact Jennifer Chaves (jennifer@cnhkiwanis.org; 909.736.1708) or Pete Horton (pete@cnhkiwanis.org; 909.736.1704).