
2022 Spring Newsletter
Centennial Education Foundation
This newsletter is one of thanks and gratitude to the many individuals that
believe in our mission
Director's Message
I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Albert Catarro. He will be sharing the role of Executive Director with me. Stepping into this role, he is aware of the opportunities and challenges facing the Foundation and the District we support. As a result of our collaboration, we will be improving the way we work as an organization. We are refreshing and revitalizing our vision and strategic plan for delivering impact. Plus, we will be exploring new systems better serving our students, teachers, and community. The collaboration between us will allow for a better way to meet the needs of our growing Foundation.
But most importantly, CEF is an ongoing team effort, and I am deeply grateful to the entire CEF team. Notably for their unwavering dedication and generosity in leading this mission for the past 25 years.
Therefore, as CEF looks to adapt and respond to all the changing needs of the students and teachers of Centennial School District, we need you. Hopefully, the Foundation can count on you to join us as partners and co-creators of game-changing strategies that drive innovation, strengthen our nonprofit, and shape the world of education.
Warm regards,
Carolyn
Bob Phillips is stepping down after a 10 year tenure as Board President
Bob's tenure as president has shown growth in partnership development and fundraising. He has been integral to all the advances we have made, particularly in the areas of partnerships. It is his behind-the-scenes work that we are thankful for, especially with his dedication and determination. The board president is one of the most challenging volunteer roles of all, and he performed with honor and commitment.
Bob distinguished himself as a steward of our organization and never flinched in the face of difficult decisions, especially during the pandemic. His leadership led to the decision to raise money for food insecurity. Sherry Anderson once said, Volunteers do not get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Bob proved to be even more than priceless.
As CEF looks back on Bob's time as president, we recognize that our achievements would not have been possible without him at the helm. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts, and we look forward to seeing what he will continue to do as he remains an active Board member!
After 25 years, Ron Schumann, a founding Board Member, continues to lead CEF into the next 25 years.
Most successful organizations lay claim to a founding member. In CEF’s view, our success in the first 25 years, in large part, is due to our founding member, Ron. CEF is forever indebted to him for his vision and energy. Gratefully, Ron continues to demonstrate his selfless and tireless commitment into the next 25 years.
He doggedly pursued financial stability for CEF by beginning a path of investing. The process started with Ron donating and requiring CEF to match his donation, and this initiative continues today. Fortunately, for CEF, as a committed supporter, that is only one way Ron and his wife, Shirlee, support the Foundation. His forward-thinking has positioned CEF to carry on beyond the next 25 years.
Welcome New Board Member - Bruce Beaton, Jr.
Welcome Tony Sadowski
Tony Sadowski is a newly elected Centennial School Board Director. During the yearly reorganization of the CSD Board of Directors, Tony was appointed to serve as the liaison between the CSD Board and the CEF Board.
As we enter the next 25 years of supporting the CSD students and teachers, a continued working relationship with the CSD Board is valuable. Moving forward, CSD's support and involvement plays a role, making the position of liaison important. We are grateful Tony will be working with CEF, and confident our partnership will continue beyond the next 25 years.
We Are Back!
We are back, thanks to our board, supporters, teachers, students, and community. We began our mission of providing "above and beyond" educational experiences by awarding grants, 25 years ago. On March 16, 2022, 50 grants were awarded for a total of $32,789.89. Looking ahead, we are excited about the next 25 years.
Mini-grants at work!
Jacklyn Morrison, a mini-grant recipient, shared some pictures and sent a thank you note to CEF for funding the Crayons for Diversity grant. The pictures show her students using the new crayons. They are using the crayons while working on the, Making the World a Better Place project.
The premise of the grant, as written by Jerry Spinelli in the children's chapter book Maniac Magee, the (skin) colors he (Maniac Magee) found were gingersnap, light fudge, dark fudge, acorn, butter rum, cinnamon, and burnt orange. Our students, their families, friends, and the people of the world encompass a beautiful array of skin colors, but the typical box of crayons limits the students to choose from peach, tan, and brown for skin tone when coloring.
With the crayons, now the children can use them as needed throughout the year when coloring people for either assigned work or on their own during indoor recess. Providing our children with crayon color options for skin tones closer to their own will benefit all the children while supporting Centennial School District's equity and equality initiatives.
To date, EITC Supporters
Over 20 Years of Support!
Golf Outing Information
Jackpot Calendar
Thank you to all our supporters for their contributions to our Jackpot Calendar. There were over 62 prizes.
Sales began January 31st, and the drawings are taking place every Friday during March live on Facebook. You can follow or like us on Facebook @CEF.Centennial and watch some of the students that picked the winners.
The Calendar was a success. We raised over $6,000. This will give us the opportunity to fund 12 - $500 grants or 6 - $1000 grants. CEF is very appreciative of all YOUR support.
#GivingTuesday and End of Year Campaigns
CEF is continually grateful for all your support.