A Mother and a daughter making a difference...

I hope you had a peaceful and merry holiday season.

Here at the Foundation, 2017 finished with grace and generosity, as supporters like you gave nearly $2,800 in our Zero Balance campaign to erase school lunch debt.

We've hit the ground running in 2018. With upcoming Reach for Success grants to benefit classrooms, our new FAN campaign to fund music arts in schools, and a Find Your Fit presentation LWTech on January 31, we're finding more ways to help you bridge the gaps between what our students have and what they need to succeed.

In this second issue of the Impact Update, I'm excited to share with you the moving story of Kim and Bailey, a mother and daughter who are making a difference in our community. Read on to learn about our upcoming events and campaigns, and don't forget to register to attend our annual spring benefit luncheon.

Please note that we're hosting just one spring event this year--a luncheon at the Redmond Marriott on Tuesday, March 27. Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib is our keynote speaker and Juanita High School student Grace Harrington returns as an MC. It promises to be an inspiring afternoon. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
​Larry Wright, PhD
Executive Director
Lake Washington Schools Foundation

p.s. bring your bags!

An easy way to give: use your reusable shopping bags when buying groceries at Whole Foods Redmond and tell them to donate your five-cent credit (per bag) to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. We're one of two selected recipients this quarter. Program runs through March 31, so remember your bags--and tell them to "Give it to LWSF!" ​

Whole Foods Redmond is located at 17991 Ne Redmond Way, Redmond, WA 98052.

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donor spotlight

"mOM, I THINK MY FRIEND IS HOMELESS."

By Elizabeth Russell

Bailey, then just a little girl, spoke out of the blue. Her mother, Kim, replied, “What do you mean?”
"I think they're sleeping in their car. Mom, do you think they can stay at our house sometimes, just so that they can have breath?”

Kim didn't hesitate. “Of course they can come over and stay with us, and get breath.”

“Breath” is a bit of shorthand between mother and daughter. In their household, “breath” can describe a space where one can manage some of life’s obstacles. Kim says that sometimes it’s about “finding your breath for a moment, and that will help you navigate whatever is overwhelming you.”

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read the rest of their inspiring story!

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WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILDREN, YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN DUCT TAPE.

support music arts now!

Lake Washington School District music programs win awards and enrich our children's lives. So when the school district let us know that our high and middle schools needed nearly $300,000 in instruments in the next five years, we knew you'd want to help.

​Become a "FAN" and fund-a-need for music arts in local schools. Direct your support to the school or learning community of your choice, or make a general donation to support LWSD's circulating instrument library.

​It's hard enough for a child to play a tuba. Let's make sure it isn't duct-taped.

​Learn more about the need in your area...​

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register now for local college presentation on January 31, 2018

reserve your spot today!

Lake Washington Schools Foundation is pleased to partner with Lake Washington Institute of Technology to present the next step in its "Find Your Fit" series. Free and open to all Lake Washington School District families, this presentation and Q&A session (with tours available after) will introduce the array of workforce-ready programs available at this vibrant local college.

Get ready to think outside of the classic college box at this exciting presentation. Sign up today and arrive on time for a free chicken sandwich; this event will fill up! ​

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reach for success with
​classroom grants ​up to $3000

learn more now!

Do you know a teacher, school club, or other school-associated need that could benefit from a little extra funding? Lake Washington Schools Foundation funds innovative educational programs that enhance or expand district curriculum, support a school’s goals, and are in line with the Foundation’s mission to support academic excellence and success for all district students. A grant application can be written up to a $3,000 maximum request per project, and applications will be available on the LWSF website the last week of January.
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Need help with your Reach for Success application? Have questions about the program? Visit our information page for grant guidelines, frequently asked questions, and more.​

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reserve your seat at our annual benefit luncheon on march 27, 2018

reserve your seat today!

Sign up today to engage with like-minded community members and be inspired by remarkable speakers while enjoying a delicious luncheon at the Marriott Redmond Town Center.

This year, we're honored to welcome Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib as our guest speaker and the fabulous Grace Harrington has agreed to return as a student MC...with a little co-hosting help from KOMO meteorologist and Redmond High School alumna Shannon O'Donnell. Hear from an inspiring group of everyday philanthropists and learn just what it takes to build a bridge in our community.

Email us now to become a Table Captain or Corporate Sponsor. Only a few tables are left. ​

And remember⸺just one spring event this year!