By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

The David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation routinely donates money to assist local Clarkston groups and organizations push forward with their initiatives.
Recently, the foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Clarkston robotics program, Team RUSH 27.
“RUSH will use the funds for a new scholarship for seniors, robot funds and travel for the 2024 robotics season, and help offset the personal costs of the students during the season,” said Team RUSH coach Kyle Hughes. “We are super excited about this generous donation from the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation, and want to do what we can to encourage others to do/use matching funds. It has been a great incentive for our students; if a Regatta team raises $1,000, it is matched by the foundation. This will really help the Regatta teams in reaching their fundraising goals.”
Much of the grant will be used to match funds raised by the RUSH students at their upcoming fundraising RUSH Regatta on July 8 at noon at Deer Lake Beach.

The David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation, located here in Clarkston, has been supporting the RUSH robotics program for several years. Last month, the foundation was named the “Gold Rush Sponsor” for 2023 based on previous grants to RUSH.
“The foundation hopes people who want to encourage STEM education in Clarkston Community Schools will donate to the upcoming RUSH fundraiser,” said foundation president Henry Woloson. “Dave Elliott was the president and an owner of Automotive Plastics and Tubing Company in Rochester Hills. Given his background as the head of an automotive supplier, his foundation is proud to support the RUSH robotics program, which encourages students to investigate careers in engineering and computer science.
“We hope people who have been employed in the automotive industry and related manufacturing companies will help support the RUSH program.

PHOTO: The 2023 edition of Team RUSH 27. Photo: Provided by Team RUSH 27