The Pike County Chamber of Commerce education Committee is under way with a new fundraiser for the P.R.A.I.S.E. scholarship (Program Recognizing Achievement in Secondary Education).

The scholarship is given to the senior with the highest ACT score and is worth $1,000.

“Due to the smaller size of the committee and limited personnel, it has been challenging in the past to raise this money for the scholarship,” said Dianna Lee, marketing and media relations officer for Troy Bank and Trust, and committee member.

The new fundraiser, “Let’s Eat”, is a fundraiser that will incorporate a partnership with area restaurants in exchange for 10 percent of profits for day during the designated event. The restaurants, in return for their cooperation and help, will be given free advertising with local facilities such as Troy Cable, the digital billboards around Troy, public service announcements through WTBF and The Messenger.

“Emails will be sent out to all chamber members the day of the event and signs will be placed outside of every participant’s restaurant,” said Lee.

The committee is in the progress of contacting area restaurants and do have some commitments Lee said. The fundraiser event would take place 1-2 times each month.

“Before we have not been able to give runners-up any kind of reward for their hard efforts,” Lee said.

“The recipient may make a 34 on the ACT, which is amazing, wonderful, and the runner up may score a 31 or 32, which is great as well, and we’re unable to give anything.”

Depending on how much is raised from this new fundraiser, the education committee may be able to make this a reality for those other students deserving recognition as well.

“I hope that the people of Pike County support this, see value and not only will the scholarship be successful, but the businesses involved see success and an increase in revenue, a win-win situation,” Lee said.