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2009 “Achieve” Gala to Raise Funding for Denver Public Schools
Sponsorships and tickets now on sale to support programs that promote student achievement

DENVER, April 1, 2009 – The 2009 Annual Celebration of Denver Public Schools (DPS) will take place on Wednesday, April 22, to raise money for programs that boost student achievement. The “Achieve” gala, organized by the Denver Public Schools Foundation, is expected to raise $1 million and attract 1,000 guests.

Rob Cohen, chairman and CEO of The IMA Financial Group, Inc. is serving as chair of this year’s event, and Mayor John Hickenlooper and Governor Bill Ritter are honorary co-chairs. The evening will feature remarks from DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg, as well as a variety of student performances including the DPS Citywide Marching Band, Traylor Academy “Roar of the Tiger” choir, the Green Valley Elementary Grizzlies Step Dance Team, and the Denver School of the Arts Sinfonia.

Since its inception seven years ago, the annual event has generated tremendous support for initiatives within the school district. Key supporters of this year’s gala include presenting sponsor UMB Bank and event sponsors Comcast, Tiffany & Co., Denver Post Charities, and the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center, where the event will be held. Valedictorian-level sponsors are Marcy & Bruce Benson, Martha Records & Rich Rainaldi, Kristin & Blair Richardson, Rockmont Capital Partners, Ltd., Salazar Family Foundation, and United Launch Alliance

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a special cocktail hour sponsored by Tiffany & Co. where guests can purchase “Tiffany Tickets” for $100 that can be redeemed for Tiffany gifts with a value of at least $100, with some special gifts valued much higher. Dinner and the program begin at 7 p.m. A networking and dessert reception will take place from 8:15 to 9:00 p.m.

Sponsorships and tickets are on sale now by visiting www.dpsfoundation.org or calling 720-423-3897. Table sponsorships range from $3,000 to $25,000. Individual tickets are $300, $125 for DPS employees and retirees, or $1,000 for a patron couple.

The event will celebrate the accomplishments of DPS schools and students. Proceeds from the event will help the DPS Foundation fund strategic programs that support teachers and classrooms, principal leadership, and after-school opportunities. These programs include:
• implementation of the district’s first standardized elementary school science curriculum
• after-school tutoring and enrichment programs
• professional development opportunities for principals
• middle school sports
• grants to individual schools to fund field trips, classroom activities and enrichment materials

Once again, event supporters will have the opportunity to sit with a principal and school representative (administrator, faculty member, student, or parent) at the dinner and learn first-hand what schools are doing to improve achievement, what successes their schools and students have enjoyed this year, and what goals the schools are striving toward to ensure future success of DPS students.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The DPS Foundation raises funds in support of the district’s ambitious education reform plan to improve student achievement. The DPS Foundation supports programs such as principal leadership development, resources for teachers and classrooms, and after-school and summer enrichment programs. Our vision is a community dedicated to making DPS the leading big-city school district in the country, where all students receive a first-rate education and graduate with the knowledge, talent, and confidence to become future leaders. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.

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Contact: Natalie Wilkins
720-423-3877
nwilkins@dpsfoundation.org