Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends,

There has never been a better time to demonstrate your support for the children and teachers in Columbia’s excellent public school system.  The Columbia Public Schools Foundation, through a community supported endowment fund, provides financial support for school classroom and curricular materials and innovations that serve children in our school district.  Because community tax dollars barely cover “fixed overhead” – salaries, benefits, utilities, etc., there are few dollars left to invest in innovative materials, experiences and other necessary programs that contribute towards an excellent public school system.  

Commencing with the 1997-1998 school year, the Foundation has awarded over $560,000 in grants for the Columbia Public Schools.  Grants have funded projects such as school library books, classroom technology, pilot math and literacy programs, outdoor science projects, MAC Scholars and many other programs to enhance education for the students in our district.  In 2011 the Foundation awarded almost $63,000 in grants. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses like you, the Foundation has established significant continued annual grant awards.  On June 6^th, a Chamber Ribbon Cutting event was held at the District office to announce grant recipients and celebrate the awards

I invite you to mark your calendar for our annual “Hall of Leaders: A Night of Stars” event, the  special evening when we recognize the accomplishments of our awardees in the alumni, volunteer and educational profession categories, and feature some of the best of Columbia’s student talent.  This year’s “Hall of Leaders:  A Night of Stars” will be held on October 20, 2011 at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts.  Ticket sales information is on the website.

Together we have and will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of children and our community.  Please partner with us by generously donating to the Foundation and attending the Hall of Leaders: A Night of Stars in October.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

 Patti Coffelt, President

Columbia Public Schools Foundation