Foundation

From the Executive Director

It has been a tremendous year for the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation (NVBF). Thanks to the generosity of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, we were fortunate to bring on a new Operations Coordinator, Kay Dimanche, who, as a former NVBF scholarship recipient herself, was already steadfast in her news reporting career, when she decided to enter the nonprofit sector. She makes an awesome addition to our team!

We have seen firsthand the impact we are making. From creating an opportunity for our veteran broadcasters to stay engaged with our mission through the Broadcast Alumni Community (BAC), to forging new learning opportunities for our scholars by forming a partnership with the Las Vegas Host Committee Ambassador program. From mentoring and internships to job placement assistance, our scholarship program offers students more than just financial support. 

 Speaking of the next generation of broadcasters, this year, 30 students will wear the title of being a Tony and Linda Bonnici Scholar. This equates to over $252,000 in tuition funding for the 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring semesters. This brings our total to 293 scholarships that have been awarded through the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation’s Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcasting Scholarship Fund since its inception just fourteen years ago. 

 It goes without saying the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation would not exist if not for the selfless efforts of our Board of Directors and volunteers, along with the generous on-going support we receive from our donors, sponsors, the Nevada radio and television industry, and the Nevada Broadcasters Association. But most importantly, our namesakes, Tony and Linda Bonnici, whose legacy continues through the eyes, ears, and voices of these amazing young adults. 

 A special acknowledgment to the individuals and companies who assist in funding the following scholarships: Colin Cowherd and Lotus Broadcasting (Colin Cowherd Scholarship), the Geary Company (Mike Geary Scholarship), Deanne Sheehan (Deanne Sheehan Scholarship), Chet Buchanan (Chet Buchanan Scholarship) Carter Powersports (Dave and Charli Carter Scholarship), and introducing the (Bob Fisher Scholarship), donor anonymous.

Thank you for the role you play in “Paving the Way for Future Broadcasters”.

Best Regards and Happy to Serve,

Eric J. Bonnici
Executive Director
Nevada Broadcasters Foundation

From the Foundation’s Namesakes

We are happy and proud to enter our 14th year of awarding scholarships.  The students may take up to 15 credits per semester in a Broadcasting focus whenever they apply — Freshman to Senior, as long as they meet the criteria required.  Our board members have awarded 30 this year, for a total of 293 scholarships!!

This year’s students want to be on-air, produce programming, be sports reporters, and promotion & production experts.  They are wicked smart, innovative in their thinking, excited for their futures, and great humans!

We can award many scholarships because of the generous donation from the Nevada Broadcasters Association, proceeds from our highly successful Northern and Southern Golf Tournaments, and tonight’s Gala Silent Auction.  We have great committees in both communities with leadership from Holmes Pooser of Audacy Las Vegas, Amberly Quaintance of Beasley Media Group, and Yvette Rodriquez of KVVU-FOX 5 and our wonderful Board of Directors, whom we are so grateful and appreciative of!

Dr. Alan Stivitsky, Reynolds School of Journalism @ UNR; Kevin Stoker, Director of the Hank Greenspan School of Journalism @ UNLV; Jim McKusick, Partner @ The Geary Company; Amie Chapman, Sinclair Broadcasting—Reno; Kristine Anderson, Richard Harris Law Firm; Venus Hammel, Audacy Las Vegas; Misty Morgan-Yousfi, Gray Broadcasting; Terri Foley, KTNV-TV 13; Monica Schmidt, KVVU FOX 5; Ray Fletcher, The Raiders; Vanessa Lauren, Hope for Prisoners; Mitch Fox, NVBA President; Eric Bonnici, NVBA Vice President and NVBF Executive Director.

Attending UNLV and UNR, they are anxious and ready to get into our industry.  Please look for Nevada Broadcasting Foundation Scholarship Recipient on your incoming job applications—YOU WILL NOT GO WRONG IN HIRING ANY ONE OF THEM!!! 

Tony and Linda Bonnici
Tony and Linda Bonnici Scholarship Fund