One of the wonderful ways that you can support the ISGB and individual beadmakers is by making a donation to the ISGB Gathering Scholarship Fund* of your choice.

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You can make a donation in any amount by typing it in the box above.  You may include your name in your donation if you would like, so that we may acknowledge you or you may leave the name space blank or type "anonymous" if you prefer that we keep your identity private.

Finally, you may choose to donate to the General Scholarship Fund or any of the other scholarship funds which are listed below -

The Mitchelle (Chelle) Toxey Gathering Scholarship Fund

Mitchelle, better known on the forums as 'Chelle', was an inspiration to many of the people that she touched through her daily postings and since her passing, so many people have come forward to say that she encouraged them both online and by telephone as well.

Chelle attended her first ISGB Gathering in Louisville, through a scholarship that was granted to her. Through the weeks leading up to the scholarship selection she called on her forum friends for advice and editing of her submission. On the day she heard she had been granted a scholarship, we all cheered for her! It was a momentus occasion. I personally was new to lampworking at that time and from Chelle's enthusiasm, I found myself exploring the ISGB site for more information - I eventually became a member! I attended the Oakland Gathering with Chelle as my roommate. She showed me the "ropes" of the conference and she was always commenting on how, as a scholarship recipient, she was able to meet so many artists.

Now this may not seem like much to some of you, but what you don't know about Chelle is that she rarely left her home. She had multiple medical conditions that made it difficult for her to get involved in daily life as we know it. Her attendance at the ISGB Gathering in Oakland was her first airplane flight. While there, Chelle attended all the events and especially loved the Tech Vendor area and Bead Bazaar - she "shopped" multiple times!

Chelle held a Masters Degree as an Early Childhood Educator and had to leave the profession that meant so much to her due to health issues. During one of her darkest times, she learned about lampworking and started to explore this art form through the internet to learn more. She took a class from Shawn Turner and off she went! She only made just a few beads in her lifetime because of her pain, but she visualized each and every bead she wanted to make through her daily chats on the forum. At the time of her passing, her father had just remodeled their family home to include a torching area for Chelle. She made her last beads on a purple cricket.

Chelle would be so happy to know that others would benefit from this scholarship! She was a strong supporter of ISGB and she believed in the beauty of sharing this art with the world! From that belief, the recipient of this scholarship would receive assistance in attending future ISGB Gatherings.

- Written by Jo Zumhof, Chelle's Dear and Special Friend 

*Each year, ISGB offers a number of scholarships to qualifying members to enable them to attend the Gathering. An International Scholarship exists to lend encouragement and financial assistance for our members outside North America to experience the Gathering.  Each scholarship award consists of a waived conference fee, one night’s hotel lodging, and $100 travel stipend. The International Scholarship provides a waived conference fee, one night’s hotel lodging, and a $500 stipend to help offset international travel expenses. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the conference, however, all stipends are presented at the Gathering and are not distributed before. A member may receive only one ISGB scholarship in his or her lifetime. All Scholarships have the same application criteria.  (Source:  2009 Gathering Scholarship Application)