Over 450 people gathered to celebrate the past, present and future of the Madison public schools at the Foundation for Madison's Public Schools annual Circle of Friends Luncheon on May 1.

As they arrived, guests enjoyed music performed by the Chavez Marimba Group. The Lapham Children's Choir and La Follette High student Denise Jackson provided entertainment during the luncheon program. Distinguished alumni Emily Auerbach (West '73), UW Professor of English and Director of the Odyssey Project, and Michael Flowers (La Follette '04), UW Junior and member of the UW Men's Basketball Team, were recognized for their contributions to the community. Program Emcee Neil Heinen, WISC-TV and Madison Magazine recognized the 2006-07 Grant Awardees and projects, some of which were highlighted in a Foundation video.

Presentations were made regarding the Individual School Endowment Initiative and Adopt-A-School program to build support for these efforts. Mendota Principal Sandy Gunderson described how her school uses the individual school endowment grant process to fund projects and activities. Group Health Cooperative Community Care Manager Emily Curtis shared the benefits that Leopold School, as well as GHC, achieves in their Adopt-A-School relationship.

An overview of Foundation programs was included in a Report to the Community along with endowment fund information. A special acknowledgement and thank you to the 5000 Foundation donors who have supported the Foundation over the years also was included in the Report.

The Foundation is dedicated to building partnerships between the schools and the community, and the luncheon is one way to accomplish that goal. The luncheon provides the opportunity to highlight the success of our school system and shows ways in which the Foundation, with the help of the community, can make a difference.

This annual event is a fundraiser, as well as a friend-raiser, with proceeds going to support the work of the Foundation.

Mendota ES Principal Sandy Gunderson described how her school uses the Individual School Endowment Initiative to fund projects and activities at Mendota.

Related MMSD Links

• Circle of Friends Luncheon Video