Since 1988, the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools has been helping students come to school healthy, happy and ready to learn. FVPS serves all 37 district schools and programs. This year, the foundation’s theme is happiness: for students, for families, for staff members and for schools.
Enrichment grants
Among many services, the foundation awards annual enrichment grants to nearly every district school. Thanks to one such grant, Minnehaha Elementary will host a children’s book author/parenting expert who will speak to students and staff members about problem-solving, respect and positive interactions. Foundation funds also will be applied to staff development at the middle school level. At Fort Vancouver High School, a grant will support activities that promote multicultural awareness and align with the school’s transition to becoming the Center for International Studies. And a grant for Vancouver Flex Academy will enhance the blended learning environment.
Community rallies for Give More 24!
Donor support is vital to create opportunities for students. This fall, the foundation was happy to be one of 85 Southwest Washington nonprofits that benefited from Give More 24!, a day of philanthropy organized by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. To encourage donations, FVPS rocked and rolled all over town with local bands Blue Skies For Black Hearts, River Twain and Medium Size Kids playing live music and collecting school supplies. At the end of the day, 55 donors had given a total of $6,075!
Lunch Buddy program gets a lift
Since 2004, employees of Davidson & Associates Insurance Agency have volunteered in the foundation’s Lunch Buddy program, which pairs adult mentors with elementary students for weekly lunches. Because of Davidson & Associates’ support for Lunch Buddies and its affiliation with Safeco Insurance, the foundation was one of 30 nonprofits from across the country selected for Safeco’s fall 2014 Make More Happen contest, in which supporters voted for their favorite organization.
Although the foundation did not leave the contest with the top prize, it did receive $3,500 from Safeco—and many shout-outs for the program. Said Jody Campbell, “Love my lunch buddy! Great program and it only takes 45 min. a week to make a difference in a child’s life!”
Student and staff campaigns VPS staff members and students are among the biggest supporters of the foundation. This year, staff donated $148,213, and students donated $54,064 (unaudited totals). Their annual donations go a long way in support of student learning. Now that’s happiness!
Join FVPS
Please join the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools at its annual fundraising luncheon.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hilton Vancouver
301 W. 6th St.
Reserve your spot by calling 360-313-4730.
Entertainment and lunch will be provided; however, the foundation will request financial support during the event. Donations help every student come to school healthy, happy and ready to learn.
For the second year, Columbia Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor. Columbia Credit Union also has committed to sponsor the 2016 luncheon.