Rent-to-own News - Annual KLQ scholarship fundraiser draws loyal RTO participation

Mark Windsor, Angela Quinn and Bill French at the Quinn's KLQ Golf Tournament welcome reception Wednesday.

Close to 150 golfers from across the rent to own industry are in Tacoma, Washington today for the 6th annual KLQ (Kevin L. Quinn) Golf Tournament and Auction -- the primary fundraiser for a home grown scholarship program that for each of the past five years has awarded $4,000 scholarships to seven Washington students.

Some 60 attendees arrived a day early for a welcome reception at the home of program  co-founders Kevin and Angela Quinn owners of Quality Rentals.

See photos.

This year, due to exceeding its fundraising goals -- over the past five years the KLQ Foundation has awarded 35 scholarships and raised more than $320,000 -- the foundation's board of directors voted to award eight scholarships.

It's all part of spreading the opportunities to as many students as possible, Quinn said.

"We had some extra money and wanted to see the foundation help even more students this year," said Angela Quinn. "The essay is the most important part of the application because we want to see how well they can express themselves on paper. We want to see what they are interested in and how well they've prepared themselves. We really want to reach those middle class kids who's parents just aren't able to afford a college education. We really see them as the backbone of America."

Students must keep a 3.2 grade point average and submit paperwork showing they are meeting the scholarship criteria to continue to receive the four year $1,000 per year award.

This year's winners include:

Whitney Freeman of Puyallup who wants to attend the University of Washington and study pediatrics.

Kelsey Bishop of Castle Rock who wants to attend Lower Columbia College and study pediatrics.

Alanna Steele of Bellinghaum who wants to attend Skagit Valley Community College and study nursing.

Ariana Sheridan of Seabeck who plans to attend Texas Christian University and study athletic training.

Rebecca Campbell of Poulsbo who plans to attend Seattle University and study nursing.

Hailey George of Wenatchee who plans to attend the University of Washington and study nursing or pharmacy.

Cassandra Keller of Moses Lake who plans to attend Washington State University and study veterinary science.

Kelly Hewitt of Tacoma who plans to attend Washington State University and study computational neural science and research.


The KLQ Foundation was the brainchild of Dan Quinn, Kevin Quinn's brother.  After his untimely death six years ago, Kevin and Angie Quinn created the foundation and turned Dan's dream into reality.