News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 7 - June 2, 2006
The Foundation for Madison's Public Schools hosted its first "Circle of Friends" fundraising luncheon on May 2, 2006. Attended by nearly 400 people, the luncheon raised $50,000 while celebrating the past, present and future of Madison's schools. Celebrating our past, we recognized two outstanding alumni who are still making their mark on Madison. First was Marsh Shapiro, owner of the Nitty Gritty restaurant and a graduate of West. Mr. Shapiro regaled us with stories about growing up in the multi-ethnic Greenbush neighborhood and recognized by name nearly every one of his teachers from Longfellow Elementary School on up through West.
Next was Mark Johnson, head coach of the national champion UW women's hockey team and a Memorial graduate. Introduced by retired administrator John Olson, Coach Johnson recalled how our schools prepared him well for higher education and adult life and how important they were in deciding to return to Madison to raise his children.
We celebrated our present by hosting and recognizing the teachers and other staff who have won grants from the Foundation during its first six years, and presenting a beautiful display of their grant-funded projects that greeted luncheon attendees as they arrived. Also, each table was graced by beautiful flower pots painted by the art teachers and students at Glendale, Midvale and Memorial.
We celebrated our future through our students, with performances by a chamber quartet from East High's Orchestra, a lively set of song and dance by East's "ENCORE" Show Choir, and remarks from current students at Memorial and East who benefited from programs funded by Foundation grants.
The luncheon was emceed by WMTV news anchor Mike McKinney, who capped the day's program with a moving impromptu story about the enormous positive impact that teachers made on his life, ending with a plea to all attendees to never give up on any child. All in all, a beautiful day to remember!
Gifts from community sponsors covered all luncheon expenses, enabling the proceeds from all ticket sales to directly support the Foundation. These sponsors included Holly Cremer Berkenstadt, Kelly Family Foundation, Walter and Stacey Meanwell, the QTI Group, Sub-Zero/Wolf, John and Leslie Taylor, Veridian Homes, Group Health Cooperative, AnchorBank, CUNA Mutual Group Foundation, Custer Financial Services, First Business Bank, Mortenson Family Foundation, Anew Magazine, Wipfli LLP, Karen and Craig Christianson, and a major anonymous donor. In-kind gifts were provided by The Widget Source, Andy Garcia Productions, Johannsen's Greenhouses, and Full Compass Systems.
WMTV news anchor Mike McKinney emceed the Foundation luncheon and gave a moving, impromptu speech on the enormous positive impact that teachers had on his life.
The East High ENCORE Show Choir's energetic performance at the Foundation luncheon exemplified the high quality of our school music programs.
Distinguished Alumni Award winner Mark Johnson, coach of the national champion UW Women's Hockey team, was introduced at the Foundation luncheon by retired Assistant Superintendent John Olson.
Last Updated: Mon Jul 17 07:54:45 2006
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