As we come to the close of the school year, and the end of the Foundation’s fiscal year, it is natural to look back and reflect on our activities, partnerships, successes, and challenges. During the 2013-2014 year we have experienced excitement, productive grant making, and new forms of fundraising. With more than 75 grants to teachers, administrators and non-profits we have had a real impact on the education of the students within the Detroit Public Schools. We have many people to thank for our successes and new relationships. We look forward to sharing all of these matters in our 2013-2014 annual report which will be available in the fall. However, I would like to highlight my TOP 20 to give you a sense of the breath and impact of our work this year.
- The appointment of a volunteer Development Committee
- A fourth year of the successful early childhood initiative – Grow Up Great
- Major funding from UAW-Ford in support of art, music, and athletics in all K-8 schools
- The Jewish Ensemble Theater production of 18 anti-bullying presentations in the schools
- Support for the Schulze School participation in the statewide Academic Games
- A grant for school uniforms funded by Big Sean
- The addition of two new members of the Board of Directors – Joyce Hayes-Giles and Beth Correa
- Expansion of the Safe Routes to School Program because of the funding from AAA Michigan
- The purchase of more than 60 laptops for two schools
- Funding to support the Chess League in their competitions
- The 4-H Garden at Golighty Elementary School
- A drive for camp supplies for Camp Burt Shurly
- The gift of a $4000 weaving loom from Mary Ann Gorlin for the art program at Cass Tech
- Support for the student art exhibition at the DIA
- The partnership with WRCJ to present Kickstart Your Summer – showcasing opportunities for summer learning and fun
- Support for the STEM Scholars Go Green Challenge
- The on-air fundraising conducted by Mason In The Morning on his radio program
- Funding to provide a dance residency at Cass Tech by a principal dance educator from the Dance Theater of Harlem
- The engagement of five restaurants in our first ever Dine In With DPSF project whereby these establishments provided a portion of their revenues to the Foundation on a special day
- The first Excellence Awards workshop and luncheon presented by Flagstar Bank for those graduating seniors with GPA’s of 3.5 and above.
These 20 grants or interactions give you a flavor of the range of programs that the Foundation staff supports or directs. Of course, we do not do this work alone. There are many friends and supporters who assist in making it happen. We thank all of you who have made donations, volunteered at an event, advocated on our behalf, or simply acknowledged the importance of this work. As we bring this year to a close, we look forward with anticipation to an even better year in 2014-2015.