Be The Bridge Spring Benefit

$271K+ Raised at Be the Bridge

A heartfelt thanks to all who attended and/or donated to our Be the Bridge Spring Benefit on March 28. Witnessing our generous community come together in support of students in the Lake Washington School District fills us with inspiration and overwhelming gratitude.

We are grateful for the dedicated Trustees, Table Captains, Ambassadors, Program Leaders, volunteers, and Matching Pool Donors who helped to make this day a success. Thank you to everyone who spoke at or was interviewed or filmed for this year’s Be the Bridge, especially our MC Morgan Palmer.

View Featured Clips from Be the Bridge

Speech Highlights

Watch our highlights video to see key moments from Be the Bridge.

Strategic Areas of Focus

Learn how LWSF helps local students thrive through removing barriers, supporting wellness, building connections, and enhancing learning.

LINKS Lunch Buddy Program

Follow the journeys of Stephanie Zeul and Marcus Grinde, dedicated volunteers with the LINKS Lunch Buddy mentoring program.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Take a quick glimpse of Teen Mental Health First Aid training underway at Tesla STEM High School.

Join us for our 2024 Be the Bridge Spring Benefit luncheon, an event that promises to be both inspiring and impactful. This is your chance to be part of a vibrant community gathering that not only celebrates the significant strides we’ve made but also contributes to shaping a promising future for the students of the Lake Washington School District.

WHEN:

Thursday, March 28, 2024 
11:00 AM Meet and Greet
11:30 AM-12:00 PM Check-in
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Luncheon and Program

WHERE:

Seattle Marriott Redmond  
7401 164th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 

New this year! We will be opening the doors at 11:00am for a Meet and Greet with Program Leaders and LWSF Board Members. You’ll have the opportunity to grab coffee and connect with the people who are doing the important work of implementing LWSF’s mission.

Thanks to our Matching Pool Donors, any contribution of $250 or more will be matched up to the total of the matching pool. Plus, donors who give $350 or more this school year will receive an exclusive invitation to our Fall 2024 Donor Gratitude Event.

Double Your Impact at the Spring Benefit

Thanks to the generosity of these Matching Pool Donors, any contribution of $250 or more will be matched, effectively doubling your donation.

  • Catherine and Peter Boeger
  • Tim and Michele Campbell
  • Evelyn De Cerce
  • David and Cathy Habib
  • Jonathan Heuer and Jean Liu
  • Jana Garner Koeberle
  • Irene and Jörg Neumann
  • The Remak Family
  • The Ross Family
  • Anonymous

*Donations of $250 or more will be matched up to the total amount of the matching pool. 

Event Speakers

Morgan Palmer, Chief Meteorologist, KIRO 7 News 

We are proud to welcome back Morgan Palmer as our emcee! Morgan holds the prestigious television Seals of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.

Dr. Jon Holmen, LWSD Superintendent

Listen to Dr. Jon Holmen describe the impact of Lake Washington School Foundation’s work on the academic success and emotional wellbeing of students throughout our district.

Lunch Buddy Mentors

Be inspired by remarkable LINKS Lunch Buddy mentors who are making a positive difference in the lives of children in local elementary schools.

Guests from Tesla STEM

Special guests from Tesla STEM High School will share insights on the impact of Teen Mental Health First Aid training on students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lake Washington Schools Foundation? 

The mission of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation is to raise funds and amplify community resources to provide students in Lake Washington School District what they need to thrive, both now and in the future.  

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation launched in 2005 after a dedicated group of community members joined together, committed to working with Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish parents, businesses, and community leaders in support of our future–the students in the Lake Washington School District. The State funds basic education, but our District sets a higher bar for its students and the Foundation supports those higher standards. 

Why should I support the Lake Washington Schools Foundation? 

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is uniquely positioned to address critical needs and support essential programs within the District, stepping in to fill the gaps when Federal and state funding fall short. Our Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed, by mobilizing community support and resources to make up for these funding deficiencies. This commitment positions us as a key partner in the educational ecosystem, actively contributing to the well-being and future success of our students. 

Since its inception, the Foundation has raised and directed millions of dollars to district-wide programs and projects that prepare each of our district’s students for school and for life. Learn more about the work that is funded by our supportive community. 

Our work is only made possible by the generosity and support of our community. 

education, but our District sets a higher bar for its students and the Foundation supports those higher standards. 

What is the Be the Bridge Spring Benefit and why should I attend? 

Be the Bridge is Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, rallying sponsorships and donations that support a wide range of transformative programs for students and families in the Lake Washington School District. By attending, you will get a glimpse into our programs and funding initiatives at work, listen to inspiring stories of impact, and witness how your contributions make a difference to the students in our community. 

Who can attend this event? 

We warmly invite all individuals who are passionate about supporting local students to join us! Historically, our gatherings have been enriched by the presence of a diverse group of attendees, including parents, volunteers, and staff members from both within and beyond the Lake Washington School District. Each year, we are also honored to welcome leaders from the school district, representatives from local government, corporate sponsors, and community partners to our event. Be the Bridge is a unique opportunity for individuals united by a common goal—to achieve the Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s mission of empowering students to thrive, both now and in the future. 

Be the Bridge is LWSF’s biggest annual source of funding. This event is free to attend and we encourage every attendee to donate as generously as possible. The minimum suggested donation is $250

How do I register?

Registration for this event is complimentary and can be completed online. During registration, you’ll have the opportunity to select your preferred meal option. To help us arrange suitable seating, you will also be asked to indicate the name of your Table Captain, corporate sponsor affiliation, LWSF program affiliation, and/or school community. If you have no specific seating preference, simply type “no preference.” This information will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. 

What if I am not available to attend? 

If your heart aligns with our mission but you find yourself unable to attend the event, we warmly invite you to contribute through our online donation platform. Your generous support plays a crucial role in helping us reach our fundraising targets for the event, ensuring that our efforts can continue to positively impact students across all schools. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in our ability to enrich and support the educational journey of our students. 

2024 Be the Bridge Corporate Sponsors

We are incredibly grateful to these major corporate sponsors for their partnership and generous contributions to the Foundation: