Spokane Public Schools Foundation Raises $40,000 for STEAM in Classrooms
Nov 18, 2019
SPOKANE, WA -- A successful Spokane Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) fundraiser was held October 24th at the historic downtown Steam Plant.
The STEAM-Powered Fundraiser featured 19 student exhibits from K-12 students from schools from around the District exhibiting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) projects funded by the Foundation.
“Our third annual STEAM-Powered event raised approximately $40,000 for the good work of the Foundation ,” said K.C. Constable, SPSF Board Chair, “in support of STEAM projects directly funded to the classroom for creative and innovative projects.
“We want to thank Dr. John Tomkowiak, Founding Dean of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, who provided inspiring remarks to the audience about the importance of a STEAM education for future success.
“We also want to sincerely thank our wonderful sponsors – Avista and the Steam Plant, Integrus Architecture, NAC Architecture, Northern Capital Management, Numerica Credit Union, STCU, MSI Engineers, MW Engineers, PotlatchDeltic and Wendle Motors – and our auction donors whose support was critical to the success of this important event.”
Constable also thanked the many remarkable SPS teachers and students who participated in a really fun Student Exhibit before the fundraiser. “It is student projects like these that the Foundation funds. Some 19 classes from a variety of K-12 schools were represented showing off their latest STEAM projects. These student exhibits featured electronics, robotics, engineering and bio-med and so on,” Constable said, “along with rocket launchers and other fun exhibits.”
A first-ever auction was a huge success that brought new dollars to the Foundation’s mission to support all students in their creative and innovative STEAM pursuits in the classroom. Thanks to the many donors such as Larry Ellingson’s signed art; Dr. and Mrs. Francisco Velázquez’ gourmet dinner for eight; lunch at Luigi’s with Sen. Andy Billig and County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner; a one-year membership to the Museum of Arts and Culture; a great Cougar package of a homemade wine rack with Cougar wine and football tickets; an overnight stay at Northern Quest with dinner at Masselow’s and LaRive Spa massage; a walk-on role in an upcoming North by Northwest Productions movie or network TV production, to name a few.
The Spokane Public Schools Foundation exists to support the Spokane Public School District by funding new learning opportunities for students in the classrooms engaged in creative and innovative STEAM projects and initiatives. For more information or to donate, please contact us through spokaneschoolsfoundation.org/contact.
