Thanks again to all who participated in the DPS Foundation’s I Give for Team DPS annual employee giving campaign last semester. Every dollar can make a difference in the lives of DPS students. The final four winners of our giveaway prizes have been randomly selected, and it is time to congratulate them! Learn a bit about the four I Give for Team DPS giveaway winners below and why they each choose to give back in support of Denver students.
Gabrielle Tonk, School Counselor Henry World Middle School
Winner of Night on the Town (including two tickets to Comedy Works, $75 to Work & Class restaurant, two gift cards to Sweet Cow Ice Cream, and Lyft gift card)
“This is my first year in DPS and at Henry World Middle School. I believe in giving to DPS because I think that any little bit can help to fund programs. In this time where we have to cut programs due to state funding being cut, it is even more important. While my own children attend school (in a different district) because of where we live, I look at our students in DPS as my own children too, and they all deserve to have every opportunity afforded to them.”
Kelli Varney, Principal, Newlon Elementary
Winner of “Fly Away” Package (including $650 United Airlines Voucher)
“There are many personal and professional reasons why I choose to give to Team DPS. I am a long time employee, and I very much value my work in DPS, and I value the kids that are here. On a personal level, my daughter is also a DPS teacher, and I know that dollars given to the DPS Foundation will continue to benefit teachers and students for years to come.”
Renee and friends enjoy their seats at the Avalanche game.
Renee Verspoor, Project Manager, Denver Public Schools Office of Facility Design & Construction
Winner of Evening with the Avs (including four lower/club level tickets to a Colorado Avalanche home game and Colorado Avalanche player, Nathan Mackinnon signed authentic mini-helmet)
“There are many reasons to support the DPS Foundation as a DPS Employee – the most important to me is their promise: “Together, we can ensure every child in Denver Public Schools succeeds, making our community a better place to live, today and long into the future. I’m a Denver resident who wants my community to be great; understanding that an educated population is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. I also recognize DPS needs outside help to meet the Denver Plan 2020’s vision. State support is not enough.”
Linda Weiss, First-Grade Teacher, Place Bridge Academy (not pictured)
Winner of Mountain Getaway (including a luxurious 3 bedroom condo in Breckenridge)
“I am extremely proud to teach at Place Bridge Academy and Denver Public Schools. The children that I have taught over the years have had a profound effect on my life. I have worked with some amazing colleagues and have always been inspired by their dedication to our children. I am always looking for new ways to help DPS meet its goals, and contributing to the Denver Public Schools Foundation seemed to be an effective method of doing this. I urge my fellow employees to join me!”