The Foundation’s annual fundraising breakfast and lunch are just a week away! Proudly presented by HomeStreet Bank and Premera Blue Cross, A Recipe for Success furthers our vision that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. Join us on Friday, March 15th to celebrate 35 years of partnership with the Edmonds School District, supporting students, families and teachers in pursuit of educational excellence. Register online or contact Deborah Anderson by email or phone at (425) 431-7260. We thank our event sponsors Alaska Airlines, BN Builders, The Boeing Company and Inspirus Credit Union.

The Foundation is honored to receive Verdant Health Commission’s Community Collaboration Award for our Whole Families, Whole Communities Program. The award was one of four presented at the Verdant Healthier Community Conference, and recognizes organizations that partner with others to respond to community health and wellness needs. Whole Families, Whole Communities was created last year to offer coordinated services to Edmonds School District families facing poverty or homelessness.

“We come together annually to celebrate the many strengths of our community and recognize these outstanding examples of service to others,” said Verdant Superintendent Dr. Robin Fenn. “One reason South Snohomish County is special is because of the care and compassion shown by so many, and it is a privilege to recognize these leaders in their fields.”

The Foundation proudly shares this recognition with our program partners: the Edmonds School District, Edmonds Community College, the University of Washington Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies, Latino Education Training Institute, North Sound Church, Edmonds Family Medicine, HomeStreet Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and Nourishing Network.

The Foundation received a $15,000 KidCents Regional Grant from the Rite Aid Foundation to expand Nourishing Network food and family assistance programs. KidCents Regional Grants support nonprofit organizations with programs that serve children and improve the quality of life in Rite Aid communities. Grants focus on healthy eating, active living and education.

“The Nourishing Network began as a weekend meal program but has grown, as the needs in our district have grown, to include coordinated, comprehensive supports for more than 250 of our most vulnerable students and their families,” said Foundation Executive Director Deborah Anderson. “We thank The Rite Aid Foundation for helping to fund these essential services with this grant.”

Nourishing Network programs include Weekend Meal Kits, Summer Meals Program, Pop-Up Pantries, and holiday meals. On average, 33 percent of students in the Edmonds School District are eligible for free or reduced lunch and an estimated 600 will experience homelessness during the school year.

In 1984, then-superintendent Hal Reasby established Foundation for Edmonds School District, and launched the Living Legend Awards to celebrate the Edmonds School District’s centennial and recognize teachers and staff for exceptional contributions to the District’s educational environment. In honor of the Foundation’s 35 years of distinguished partnership with, and the District’s 135 years of educational excellence, we are pleased to reintroduce and accept nominations for Living Legend Awards.

Living Legend candidates are those who have:

• Made a fundamental and lasting impact on the education environment of the Edmonds School District and/or
• Provided exemplary and positive leadership to students or staff and/or
• Developed an innovative educational program or management system and/or
• Been or are currently an educator in the Edmonds School District

Nominate a deserving teacher, principal or administrator who you feel is a Living Legend. Award recipients will be named and honored at our annual awards ceremony on May 23rd at Community Life Center, 19820 Scriber Lake Road, Lynnwood. Please submit written nominations to Jennifer Amend by email by April 12th.

Planned giving, or legacy giving, allows a donor to plan today for a gift made tomorrow. These major gifts provide long-term income for a non-profit organization, furthering its mission for years to come. There are many ways to include a favorite charity or cause in financial planning. A professional advisor can explain the options as well as benefits such as tax savings and income potential. The Foundation’s Legacy Circle recognizes individuals and families who have chosen to support our mission through a planned gift. To learn more, contact Deborah Anderson by email or (425) 431-7260.

Each year, the Foundation’s grant program funds enriching and innovative projects throughout the Edmonds School District. Last year, 24 teachers received Creative Classroom Grants of up to $1,000 and 35 schools received Schoolwide Grants of up to$3,000. Two new grants are available this year. The Cascadia Art Museum Grant awards up to $1,000 for a project that includes a field trip to the Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds. The Elizabeth Ruth Wallace Project Grant awards up to $7,000 for a high-impact project that a school or PTSO/Boosters cannot fund. This grant was established in memory of Elizabeth Ruth Wallace and the Stadler Family who have made significant contributions to the Foundation and the Edmonds School District. It is inspired by Emil Lichtenstein who was a former Edmonds School District board of director, and was instrumental in acquiring and developing the ESD’s busing system.

ESD teachers and principals are invited to submit applications through March 22nd. Visit our website for details, or contact Lorna Wheaton by email or phone at (425) 431-7084.

Donations to the Foundation can be made online through our website or mailed to P.O. Box 390, Lynnwood, WA  98046. Thank you for investing in students, families and educators in the Edmonds School District.