The 2017 Aurora Public Schools Foundation Annual Gala celebrated its 30th Anniversary this year to support the more than 50 Aurora public schools in a district comprised of multicultural APS students representing 130 countries.
The APS Foundation’s annual fundraiser was held Friday, Sept 22 at the Stanley Marketplace in northwest Aurora. The Foundation, originally established to collect school supplies and donations from the Aurora community, today raises scholarship funds and builds public-private partnerships to support high school students pursuing college degrees. Since its inception in 1987, the Aurora Public Schools Foundation has served to foster support of education within the Aurora Public School District by bringing together teachers, business-people, parents, alumni and community leaders.
Emcee Rick Crandall led the proceedings with comments from Board Chair Derek Rushing, Foundation Director Jay Grimm along with Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn, corporate sponsor representatives and scholarship recipients Veronica Lobatos and Andres Marquez.
“We are gratified to play a part in driving innovation and excellence for the students of Aurora Public Schools,” said APS Foundation Board Chair Derek Rushing. “We are thankful that CSU-Global is continuing to demonstrate one of its core values of collaboration by being a strong partner for our Foundation and school district through its title sponsorship of this event.”
Special thanks went to Title Sponsor Colorado State University Global Campus; Presenting Sponsor Kaiser Permanente; and National Honor Society Sponsors: Comcast, Delta Dental, Conoco Phillips, and UC Health.
“We are proud to partner with the Aurora Public Schools Foundation in support of their mission of providing students with the tools they need to pursue their goals after graduation,” said Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, president and CEO of CSU-Global.
Since its founding 30 years ago the Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, assisted the district to access millions in philanthropic support, and now helps students through College and Career Centers set up to ensure that all students have access to the resources and guidance they need to plan for a successful future after high school. For more information visit: www.educateaurora.org
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- The Aurora Public Schools Foundation Gala was held at Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace
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- More than 400 people attended the gala
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- This year students Veronica Lobatos and Andres Marquez were recognized at the event.
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- Mary Spillane, Board Chair Derek Rushing, Simone Ross, Laura English
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- The Stanley Marketplace attracts events throughout Aurora
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- Honor Rolls sponsors includes academic, non-profits, retailers, and legal firms
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- The Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year
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- Brett Johnson, Monique Crine, Kathleen Shiverdecker
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- Justin Gatz, Mark Pattillo, Kate Reynolds
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- Alexa Carpenter, Kaylie Long
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- Presenting Sponsor Kaiser Permanente and National Honor Society Sponsors Comcast, Delta Dental, Conoco Phillips & UC Health
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- Aurora City Councilwoman Marsha and Andres Berzins
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- John and Claudia Blossick
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- Sheryl Harrington, Tessa Carlson
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- Foundation Executive Director Jay Grimm with Christine Imholt, DJ Loerzel
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- Foundation Chair Derek Rushing, with Aurora Public Schools Chief of Staff Marcelina Rivera
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- Jenn Reichert, Jenny Grimm
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- LeKresha Cloud, Shyretta Hudnall
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- Maria Jump, Sondra Daduisdo
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- Natalie Newton, Camela Brinegar, Margot Plotz
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- Tara and Chad Emrick
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- The team from Colorado School and Public Employees Retirement Association (CSPERA)
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- Members of the Nelnet sponsoring table
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- Kay Shaw, Judy Bleakley, Karen Magnuson
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- Executive Director Jay Grimm
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- Emcee Rick Crandall
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- Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn addresses guests
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- Rico Munn thanks sponsors
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- Aurora City Councilwoman Debi Hunter Holen, Kat Traylor
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- Sarah Lintzenich, Jon Lehmann
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- Guests from CU Boulder’s Table
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- Guests from Kutak Rock law firm
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- Guests from the Comcast sponsor table
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- Bruce Wilcox, Rachel Gruber, Kevin Hougen
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- Farouk and Trinidad Mohamed
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- Autographed football from John Elway
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- Laura English of Comcast
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- Foundation scholarship winner Andres Marquez
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- Foundation scholarship winner Veronica Lobatos
