Yelm Dollars for Scholars gears up for annual fundraising season

Since 1991, Yelm Dollars for Scholars (YDFS) has aimed to help graduating Yelm High School students by distributing over $3.1 million in scholarship money for their post high school journies.

Each year in recent memory, YDFS has hosted a “Taste of the Prairie” program involving local restaurants and businesses within the Yelm Community Schools district. In 2025, the organization awarded 116 scholarships totaling over $167,500 to graduating seniors.

In 2026, the program kicked off on Monday, Jan. 12, at Pizzeria La Gitana, and will continue through March with seven total participating businesses. A portion of proceeds from each business will be donated to YDFS if you visit on their designated day.

Taste of the Prairie schedule
-Tuesday, Jan. 20: Red Lantern Asian Fusion
-Tuesday, Feb. 3: Yelm’s Puerto Vallarta
-Monday, Feb. 16: Yelm’s Farrelli’s Pizza

-Monday, Feb. 23: McKenna’s Varsity Pizza
-Friday, Feb. 27, El Rey Burro
-Thursday, March 5: Masonry Cafe

Additionally, YDFS will host its 31st annual auction at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at the Lake Lawrence Lodge. The organization will also host its annual online auction from Friday, March 6, through Friday, March 13. Registration for both events is available online at https://auctria.events/2026YDFSAuction.

The organization currently seeks donated auction items for both events.

“YDFS appreciates the support of the community as the program aims to provide financial support through scholarships to YHS seniors to further their educational goals. It would not be possible without the continued support,” a release from YDFS wrote.