Classroom Enrichment Grants award nearly $32,000 in the latest award cycle.
President’s Update 02/11/2021
As has been said by many . . . 2020 was an extraordinary year. When the foundation’s year began, we were still basking in the success of our 2nd annual auction, where over 250 supporters celebrated an evening of fun and philanthropy by helping us raise $70,000. In January, we announced our annual classroom grants and plans were underway for an even grander auction. 2020 was shaping up to be a great year. And then, everything changed.
The pandemic has placed unprecedented strains on our students, families, school district and community. And it made all of us change plans and direction. I’m incredibly proud of our board for quickly pivoting to direct support to where it was most needed in our community last year.
- $31,000 was granted to eight community partners who provided food for hungry neighbors.
- The Emiko Craig Fund awarded $10,000 in scholarships to four graduating KSD Seniors who will be pursuing careers in the arts.
- $14,000 in classroom enrichment grants were awarded to thirteen Kent School District schools and educators to help them create unique student experiences that reached over 5,000 students.
In addition, the foundation rebranded itself and increased outreach through our social media and internet platforms. I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about KSF, our programs and ways you can get involved.
These programs – and others – are only possible with generous community support of time, talent and treasure. Your commitment to our children, our district and our future inspires us. Thank you.
Paul Bogel
President
Welcome, Ryaire Richardson, New KSF Board Member and President-Elect
In November, we welcomed our newest board member to the Kent Schools Foundation. Ryaire has spent most of his life in Seattle. A product of Seattle Public Schools, he is a graduate of the University of Washington with a focus on Political Science and Social Justice. He holds a master’s in business administration from Western Governors University. Ryaire is currently a part of the Sales Leadership team at DocuSign. As a long-time member of the technology community, one of Ryaire’s on-going goals is to increase minority representation within the tech industry. In addition to managing his own recruiting firm to tackle this issue, he has also created classes to help students of color prepare for professional advancement and is continuously evaluating creative ideas to challenge the status quo.
“From the first time he joined us as a guest in one of our meetings, his passion for students, parent engagement, and community has been inspiring,” said Paul Bogel, current KSF President. Not only does Ryaire bring this passion for community engagement, but he is also a servant leader with an eye for detail and a deep commitment to our mission to engage with families, educators, businesses, and the broader community to fund innovative and supportive learning opportunities for every student in the Kent School District.”
Ryaire is extremely excited to be apart of the Kent School Foundation and help create more opportunities for academic success that our young leaders of tomorrow desperately need. Ryaire will serve on the board this year as President-Elect, learning more about the organization and district alongside President Bogel and other board members as he prepares to become President in 2022.
Kent Schools Foundation is actively recruiting new board members, learn more at https://kentschoolsfoundation.org/joinourteam.
KSFGiving 2020 Event
Watch the recording now of our November 18 live event!
#KSFGiving – Give, and Spread the word!
Your support is crucial to our ability to continue our work.
