Community Generosity in 2008-2009 Helps Foundation Flourish

The ongoing generosity of those in our community allowed the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation to grow and flourish during the 2008-2009 school year.

“We finished the 2008-2009 school year with much to celebrate,” said Foundation Chairperson Courtenay VanderMolen.  “We were able to make a tremendous impact on the learning and teaching environment throughout our school district.”

Generous donors contributed $343,000 to the Foundation last year, enabling the organization to provide 43 grants, making an impact on students of all ages and supporting many learning opportunities for teachers as well.  The Foundation also awarded 17 scholarships totaling $48,800 and recognized 24 students as Foundation Scholars.

“We are so grateful for the support of so many, many generous individuals in our community,” VanderMolen said.  “We will continue to work on ‘Building a Sound Foundation’ – our theme for this year’s fundraising campaign – so we can continue to invest in our students and schools.”  The fundraising campaign will kick off shortly.

The Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation was started more than 25 years ago by a group of local visionaries who wanted to make a difference in the education of students in the district.  Today the board includes 21 members, including teacher representatives from each building, community members, parents, a representative from the school board, the district curriculum director and the superintendent of schools