Scholarship Fund

• Over $62,000.00 in total Club contributions

Joseph C. Umeck Jr.

• Accordionist, Band Leader and Teacher 1915-1998

• Inducted to Polka hall of Fame on: November 27, 1993

Playing on button box and chromatic accordions for more than 60 years, Joseph C. Umeck, Jr., advanced the cause of Cleveland-Style Polkas across the nation. Joe led his own orchestra in Girard, Ohio, from 1936 to 1966, performing in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois. A pioneer in the button-box revolution, Joe organized the Chicago Slovene Button Box Club in 1970, making three recordings and leading tours to Slovenia. Moving to California in 1977, Joe revamped the Fontana Slovene Button Box Club, adding two recordings to his personal discography. A selfless devotee of Slovenian culture, Joe has served as National Secretary of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) and in countless national and local leadership posts over 65 years. Musician, teacher, promoter, composer and arranger, Joe even managed to perform at Lawrence Welk’s 85th birthday party.

The SNPJ Joe Umeck Scholarship Fund

Joe Umeck established a scholarship in his name administered by the SNPJ. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funds to students who have demonstrated a dedication to Slovene family values and traditions. Because Joe believed that students possessing these traits are worthy of our investment, this scholarship places greater emphasis on these values than grade point average. As a result, the scholarship is often awarded to youngsters who otherwise would be ineligible for other scholarships. These scholarships are well deserved and much appreciated.

We at the Fontana Button Accordion Club share Joe's belief by raising funds and annually contributing to this scholarship fund. In 2002, our club donated over $2,100 bringing our total contributions in excess of $58,000 to this worthy cause. These contributions came from moneys raised at our annual Jamboree and other fund raising events as well as contributions from charitable people like you through our web site.

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause,
make your contribution to

The Fontana Button Accordion Club

(Indicate on your check that your contribution
is for the Joe Umeck Scholarship Fund)

and mail the check to

Fontana Button Accordion Club
161 Silver Fern Court
Simi Valley, CA 93065

We thank you for submitting your donation through our club.