Carson City Schools Foundation launches with promising community support
During a news conference to launch the Carson City School District’s fundraising organization, President Ian Hill announced the foundation had already been successful in securing donations.
“Before even announcing it to the world, we’ve already raised $27,500,” he said.
Hill, a business owner and motivational speaker, addressed the crowd gathered Wednesday morning in Carson High School’s Senator Square to explain the purpose of the foundation. He told the students in the audience to review their goals for their lives.
“This foundation is an entity whose main purpose is to raise money,” he said. “This foundation is about bringing resources and staff together so you are able to reach those dreams. We love you, and we want to see you do something great with your lives.”
Valerie Dockery, grants coordinator for the school district and member of the foundation board, pledged $100 during the conference, and encouraged others to do the same.
“We need to be in charge of our own destiny,” she said. “We need to have a funding stream we can count on, no matter what the Legislature does. If we all step up and pledge what we can, we can get there and get these kids what they need.”
The foundation is set up to allow donors to earmark where they want their money to go — to certain programs, courses of study or to certain instructors.
Mike Jackson, president of Micromanipulator and member of the board, has pledged $300 a month to support science, technology, engineering and math classes.
Beyond money, however, he said the foundation is helping to align the school district with other career readiness programs available in the state. Business leaders, he added, should also donate time and expertise.
“The instructor can tap into that sponsor for real-world experience of the local opportunities that are available for the students based on what they are learning,” Jackson said.
Bryt Lews, a 2007 Carson High School graduate, serves on the board as well. He encouraged his fellow alumni to donate.
“Consider everything the school district has done for you,” he said. “Now consider what you have done for the school district.”
Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell used a computer at the high school to make a donation after the conference.
“It’s a big deal that the city and the school district are coming together to build a better place for our youth,” he said. “They will come back and build a better place for us. That’s what we call sustainability.”
Hill said the goal is to raise $200,000 in the first year. Chris Askin, president of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, which is partnering with the school district’s foundation, said that goal is achievable with the help of the community.
“All of us can and should give,” he said. “The amount you should give is what you consider significant. The only way this is going to work is if everybody contributes.”
Photos: Superintendent Richard Stokes speaks to a crowd of nearly 100 people at a ceremony launching the Carson City School District Foundation at Carson High School on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. The foundation will help raise money to augment or complement programs and activities already being provided by the district.
In the second photo: Ian Hill, chairman of the Carson City School District Foundation, speaks to a crowd of nearly 100 people at a ceremony launching the new fundraising at Carson High School on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. The foundation will help raise money to augment or complement programs and activities already being provided by the district.
YOU CAN HELP
To make a donation or for more information, go to ccschoolsfoundation.org or call (775) 333-5499.
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