The Mary & Patty Bowden Foundation is a Non Profit 501(c)3, Corporation. Our Mission is to Educate and assist those who are pursuing History and Cultural Endeavors. The name of the Foundation comes from two women, Mary and Patty Bowden, who spent their lives in servitude to others. They were Indentured Servants to George Washington's father and brother. Patty Bowden was born on the Washington Plantation in Westmoreland County Virginia
Mary Bowden was born on February 20, 1730, the daughter of William Monroe Junior and Mary Monroe, a Mulatto woman.

The lives of both ladies are chronicled in two books, Pieces of the Quilt: The Mosaic of An African American Family, and in Notes and Documents of Free Persons of Color. The Foundation Honors these ladies and all of those whose lives were dictated by unfair laws and practices.

"Those who cannot remember history are doomed to repeat it." Philosopher, George Santaya "

We are pleased to announce a partnership between The Bowden Foundation and Capital One Credit Card Company. We designed a Credit Card specifically for the Bowden Foundation, through Capital One. Each time an application for a Credit Card is approved the Bowden Foundation receives a donation. These are much needed operating funds, and we are grateful for this partnership.

There is a link to the Capital One Site which features, The Mary and Patty Bowden Foundation Card, check it out. We Want to See The Capital One Card, "In Your Wallet!!"

The Contest runs from December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010. The winners will be contacted by June 30, 2010, and winning essays will be published on this site. The winning entries may be used in publicity campaigns, and winners may be contacted by the media.

Winners are chosen based on: Creativity (25%), Originality (25%), Punctuation (50%).

Prizes:
First Prize - $1000.00 Scholarship
Second Prize -$ 500.00 Scholarship
Third Prize - $ 25.00 Scholarship

Requirements Are:
750 Word Double Spaced Essay, with Times Roman or similar 12 point Fonts.

Choose from one of five topics:

1. Slavery
2. Native American History
3. African American History
4. The Civil War
5. The Underground Railroad.

Applicants must send proof of status as High School Senior or College Freshman with entry. To receive Scholarship Student must provide name and address of Accredited College, and proof of enrollment. All Scholarships will be paid directly to Colleges.
Further:
Your interest and knowledge of the topic you choose should shine through. If you don't know your subject, involve yourself in it by doing research. There is a $10.00 processing fee required with each Essay. For more contest information and rules please email, Anita Wills at,bowdenfund@gmail.com.

Include in Application:

1. Your Name
2. Address
3. Phone Number
4. Email Address
5. Name of School or College with proof of current enrollment
6. Which Minority Group are You identifying with?
7. Describe your disadvantage (e.g., economical, physical, or learning disability)?

Send $10.00 Cashiers Check or Money Order to:
Mary and Patty Bowden Foundation
2041 Miramonte Avenue, Apt. 12
San Leandro CA 94578

For further information email Anita Wills, at bowdenfund@gmail.com.

*NO AFFILIATION OR ENDORSEMENT: This competition is the sole venture of The Mary & Patty Bowden Foundation LLC ("Sponsor"). Sponsor is solely responsible for administration of this Essay Contest. The Essay Contest is open to any High School Senior or College Freshman 17 years or older, who is or will be attending a regionally or nationally accredited college, university, or vocational school in an academic term within 1 year of notification date.

Winner must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment at a qualified institution. If a scholarship winner does not enroll or is not enrolled in a qualifying educational institution within 1 year of notification date, the award will be forfeited and not re-awarded. Applicants must be Citizens of the United States as of December1, 2009.

Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Mary and Patty Bowden Foundation, LLC, affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, advertising, promotion and fulfillment agencies and members of the immediate family and household of each are not eligible. Immediate family members include parents, siblings or any person residing in the same household as sponsor.