2019 Recipe for Success Raises Over $146,000
Lynnwood, WA – The Foundation for Edmonds School District announced, after a preliminary tally, that it raised over $146,000 at the annual Recipe for Success fundraiser held at Embassy Suites on March 15th. Presented by HomeStreet Bank and Premera Blue Cross, the event drew record attendance of over 620 local civic and business leaders, school board trustees, district staff and community supporters. Event sponsors included: Alaska Airlines, BN Builders, The Boeing Company and Inspirus Credit Union.
Funds raised will expand Foundation programs focused on career and college readiness, academic enrichment, and health and wellness across the Edmonds School District. Last year, total program investments exceeded $600,000 district-wide, benefiting students, families and teachers in 34 schools.
Executive Director Deborah Anderson presented an overview of key programs and examples of innovative programs recently funded by the Foundation. These included a grant to commission an original work written collaboratively by a guest composer for Meadowdale High School music students; Pop-up Pantries at five school locations to serve families in need; and an elementary afterschool program that gives parents tools to support their children academically. Anderson emphasized the importance of community connections, telling attendees that “our programs are made possible by building bridges and community partnerships that support our students, families and educators. We thank you for your support.”
Guests also heard from Sophie Burbank, a senior at Mountlake Terrace High School and 2019 Presidential Scholars Program nominee. She has received numerous STEM and TSA awards, and holds leadership posts in the Technical Students Association both at school and the state level. In her remarks, Burbank credits Career & Technical Education and STEM programs with providing an “exploratory environment” that has helped her discover academic and leadership roles that she’s “passionate about and excels at.”
Superintendent Kris McDuffy recognized community leaders and nearly 30 corporate sponsors in attendance. She also thanked district teachers and staff for their hard work and commitment to educational excellence. Dr. McDuffy described the Foundation as a “vital partner, working in tandem with us to build relationships that move us closer to our shared goal of better student outcomes.”
Recipe for Success is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser which this year included breakfast and lunch programs. Guests heard performances by award-winning Four of Hearts jazz combo and a string quartet from Edmonds-Woodway High School, known for exceptional music education. A demonstration by Mountlake Terrace High School’s world-ranked Robotics Team 1778 showcased excellence in STEM learning. Mark Madison, director of Career & Technical Education, was on hand to talk with business representatives about the district’s Career Connected Learning initiatives.
For 35 years, the Foundation for Edmonds School District has worked in partnership with the District to ensure that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. With an all-volunteer board and active community participants, the Foundation provides supplemental funding and programs that support students, families and teachers in the pursuit of educational excellence. www.foundationesd.org
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