Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools 20th annual luncheon raises $230,000

VANCOUVER — The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools held its 20th annual Bright Futures Luncheon on May 4. More than 500 supporters gathered, raising $230,000 in support of the 22,000 students in 37 schools and programs across the district.

All money raised during the luncheon goes directly to support a wide range of student needs, learning enrichment experiences, mentoring support and family engagement.

Sam Crawford, a Vancouver Public Schools graduate, hosted the event along with Diana Avalos-Leos, a former Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools board member. Speakers included Superintendent Jeff Snell and Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors President Amy Davis.

Guests enjoyed a meal prepared and served by culinary students from Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies. Hudson’s Bay High School horticulture students designed the floral centerpieces and stage arrangements, and entertainment was provided by Fort Vancouver High School’s Ballet Folklórico dancers. Students of Flex Academy created artwork for the event’s silent auction.

During the event, the Foundation for VPS debuted a new video featuring an original poem by spoken word artist Brianna Renae. In the poem, Renae states, “At the Foundation, we are working towards building a garden of equal opportunity for aspirations of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. In this garden, there is no seed too big, no need too unique, and no disparity that can’t be fixed.”