Van Buren Education Foundation to celebrate Million Dollar Milestone May 20
Friday, May 17, 2019 10:47 pm
The Van Buren Education Foundation will mark its million dollar milestone with a special celebration on Monday, May 20.
Established in 2001, the Foundation has handed out hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant monies to district educators. Funds are used to give students unique learning experiences and to equip teachers with tools they need for their classrooms. Since its inception, more than 700 grants have been awarded across all grade levels and subject areas. Notable grants have included funding for gardens at elementary campuses, CAMP PointerBot for summer robotics, Van Buren High School’s PointerPalooza, and the district’s popular Fourth Grade Camp.
At the celebration luncheon, the Foundation will award its largest one-time grant in the program’s history, pushing the organization to the official $1 million mark. Leaders will announce the recipient of its first-ever $10,000 prize.
“Schools were asked to submit proposals for special projects to be funded at this higher level,” explained Foundation Executive Director, Debbie Thomas. “Grants are normally limited to amounts of $3,000, so this grant represents a major investment into a program that we hope will impact many students.”
In addition to the grant presentation, the Foundation will also pay tribute to its donors and volunteers. “The Education Foundation is made possible because of the many wonderful businesses and individuals who give to our program,” shared Thomas. “It is because of their support that we have been able to reinvest one million dollars back into our schools. This will be a shining moment for our Foundation, and it is a true testament to the generosity of this community.”
The celebration will take place in the Van Buren Fine Arts Center from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:45, with the program and presentations to follow at 12:30 p.m. In addition to the VBFAC lot, parking will also be available across Pointer Trail at Heritage United Methodist Church.
For more information, visit @VBSDEducationFoundation on Facebook or call (479) 651-0810.
