Local restaurant owner Bertha Miranda believes in the importance of encouraging student achievement through education. In 1995, Miranda started a Scholarship Fund at the University of Nevada, Reno which has benefited more than 55 students.

To raise money for the scholarship, the Bertha Miranda's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina will be hosting their annual fundraising dinner Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the restaurant. During the dinner the restaurant will also celebrate the 30th anniversary since the opening of the restaurant in the Reno community.

The scholarship is awarded to students in the College of Liberal Arts and preferences students of Latino and Hispanic descent. Hispanic and Latino students currently make up more than 16 percent of the total student body enrollment. Students who meet the scholarship's criteria and are chosen for the scholarship are awarded up-to $1,000.

"The College of Liberal Arts is very grateful to Bertha Miranda for her continuing generous support of our students," Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Heather Hardy, who will be attending and speaking at the event, said. "Her scholarships have helped provide opportunities to students that they might otherwise not have had. She truly makes a difference in this community."

The event will include entertainment such as a Mariachi Band and Folkloric shows. A $150 donation to the Bertha Miranda Scholarship Foundation entitles guests to a complimentary dinner special.

For more information, visit www.berthamirandas.com/Events.