This year, the DPS Foundation is celebrating a milestone: our 25th Anniversary. I’ve always believed this is an exceptional organization; it’s what attracted me to want to be part of it nearly a year ago. But as my team and I have worked to create the celebrations for the year ahead, we’ve been inspired anew. In a time that has felt divisive for many, we are remembering—and sharing—the unity that has made the DPS Foundation what it is today.
“A Founding Principal of the DPS Foundation is unifying around the common cause. We’re allies to improve the opportunities in education for students of Denver.”
-Jerry Wartgow, DPS Superintendent, 2001-2005
Responding to a desire to galvanize the community around the role of public education in creating economic prosperity for ALL, then-Superintendent Jerry Wartgow brought together DPS Board of Education President Elaine Gantz Berman, along with businessman Bruce Benson, to take on the challenge. Each was a well-known leader, and each was from a different political affiliation. It did not matter; they were committed to the same goal –improving opportunities for Denver’s students. They re-energized the DPS Foundation, brought in other allies for transformation and infused a spirit that, no matter what else was happening, they stood united for Denver’s students. They also created the DPS Foundation’s first Achieve Gala.
On Thursday, April 27th, we’ll “Celebrate Yesterday and Embrace Tomorrow” at the Achieve Gala 2017. It’s a night where we come together—students, parents, educators, business leaders and community leaders—to celebrate public education.
That night, we’ll hear past speaker Daniel share where he is today and how the gala impacted his life, Manual senior student Elijah inspire us with his story of how DPS transformed him and his future, and students from several DPS schools perform in a musical ensemble unlike ever before. We’re honored this year to have United Airlines, a longtime and generous partner, as our presenting sponsor. From helping provide guiding leadership on the DPS Foundation’s first Board of Directors, to providing our students and educators access to enriching educational experiences across the country, to expanding our students’ career experiences, United has helped make things happen for our students and community for decades.
You may have already received your 25th Anniversary Achieve Gala invitation in the mail. If not, please consider this your invitation, and join us for an event you won’t soon forget. It’ll be a night where our students are center stage. If you can’t join us, please consider making a donation so you can be there in spirit. And when you join us, you join united, in the words of Jerry Wartgow, “as an ally to improve the opportunities in education for students of Denver.”
Today and always for OUR students,
Verónica Figoli