Foundation luncheon raises $650,000 for schools | Photos

Published 11:59 am Monday, May 14, 2012

Raising $650,000 at its annual luncheon, the Issaquah Schools Foundation continues to grow in finances and support.

It hopes the money will be enough to push ISF over the $1 million marker for another year.

When the staff had finished tallying the results of the May 10 fundraiser, they were overwhelmed, said Robin Callahan, ISF executive director. “There was hardly a dry eye in the room.”

What resonated with the donors the most was the breadth of programming that ISF supports, Callahan said.

“They basically are the bridge between having a good education in Issaquah and having an excellent education in Issaquah,” said parent and supporter Kari Leon.

In addition to curriculum, the foundation pays for a number of programs, including robotics courses, personal finance education for middle school students, and the Microsoft TEALS program, which brings computer science courses to high school students.

ISF also provides a number of classroom grants.

Similar to last year’s science curriculum, ISF plans to put a large portion of the money into books. It could give up to $300,000 to rolling out reading rooms for elementary students.

The luncheon focused on the successes ISF has had in the classroom and out, including an after school tutor program with struggling middle school students.

Looking at money per student, Issaquah is among the least funded districts in the state, said ISF President Leigh Stokes.

“We live on the precipice of chronic underfunding,” she said. “We have to do it ourselves.”

In addition to the money, the luncheon garnered the most onlookers. About 1,000 people pushed the Issaquah Community Center to capacity.”It’s a reflection of the high regard that people in our community hold our schools,” Callahan said.

When Elizabeth Hall moved up from California, she was seeking a better education for her children. She chose Issaquah for its reputation. Giving to the foundation made sense, she said. “Supporting schools here is really important for our family.”

Issaquah School District parents Kari Leon, left, and Elizabeth Hall discuss an auction item at the Issaquah Schools Foundation luncheon. BY CELESTE GRACEY

Quinn Bracelen, a computer science student, takes his seat after giving a speech on how the Microsoft TEALs program helped him get into the University of Washington.

Maureen Shaw receives flowers from a student. She, along with husband John, was one of the original founders of the Issaquah Schools Foundation, which is 25 years old.