Dear Community,
A Quarterly Report on Impact: October 2025
Dear Community,
At Denver Public Schools Foundation, we believe possibility is powerful. When students are given the chance to explore their passions, discover new opportunities, and connect with supportive communities, they flourish. That is why our work is focused on removing barriers and opening doors so every child in DPS can thrive.
This season, we saw that vision come to life. DPS Foundation is now the new home of My Spark Denver, which is giving thousands of middle school students access to enrichment experiences that help them dream bigger. Hundreds of volunteers and partners rallied at Back to Class Bash to prepare schools for a strong start. Educators broadened their learning through Educators Take Flight, while families found vital resources at DPS Community Hubs. The first-ever collaboration for the Back2School 5K, A Fun Run with DPS Foundation and the DPS Wellness Department also brought together DPS students, educators, and neighbors in celebration of wellness and community.
Each of these moments reflects the extraordinary impact made possible by our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your generosity fuels programs that uplift students, empower educators, and strengthen families across our city.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are creating a future where every DPS student has the resources, opportunities, and encouragement to succeed in school and in life.
For all of our students,
Sara Hazel
President & CEO
My Spark Denver
This fall, Denver Public Schools Foundation proudly became the new home for My Spark Denver, an innovative program expanding afterschool and enrichment opportunities for DPS middle school students.
On August 4, 2025, we launched the first full enrollment cycle under DPS Foundation’s leadership. In just the first month, families were awarded $750,000 in funds, and today more than 200 program providers are partnering to serve students across the city.
We celebrated this milestone with the My Spark Launch Event bringing together city leaders, community partners, and educators to honor the program’s vision. This transition marks an exciting new chapter as we deepen our commitment to equity, opportunity, and ensuring every DPS middle schooler can thrive in and out of school. A big thank you to the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures for creating this initiative and making this impact possible.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
- Families receive $1,000 per student to spend on enrichment opportunities
- Families can choose from 200+ programs and providers across the city
- Serving 750 middle school students in Denver
- In August 2024, the DPS Foundation awarded $750,000 in support to families.
Engagement and Volunteerism | School Partners Programs
The School Partners Program (SPP) connects businesses and volunteers with DPS schools to make a meaningful difference for students, educators, and families. Through the DPS Foundation’s close relationships with schools and their leaders, we ensure that every contribution meets real needs and creates lasting impact.
Since July 1, more than 300 volunteers have contributed over 8,000 hours revitalizing playgrounds, assembling back-to-school kits, cleaning and organizing school buildings, and more with additional projects already planned.
In addition, the program has mobilized more than $30,000 in donations for the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Pop-Up Shops held in August and facilitated the delivery of school supplies, food, and hygiene kits to 25 schools and departments across DPS.
“We are so appreciative of the hard work and effort that the team from RSM put in on that hot day in early August! Our blacktop and grounds haven’t looked this good since the day that the school opened! The community and students were especially thrilled to see their freshly painted basketball and 4-square courts. We are so proud that the beauty of the exterior of our building now matches that amazingness that happens in our classrooms each and every day here at Bill Roberts!”
– Jason Sanders, principal at Bill Roberts School
Events
Back to Class Bash 2025
Back to Class Bash 2025 was a huge success! We saw a wonderful transformation at our three school sites: Hallett Academy, Abraham Lincoln High School, and Carson Elementary.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we are proud to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal, raising more than $80,000 in support of DPS students, educators, and families. And a special shout out to our Trailblazer Sponsors Swire Coca-Cola and VF Corporation for their generous support!
To catch some of the excitement from the day, watch this KDVR news feature.
Inspired by the day of giving back, Principal Mirriah Elliott of Carson Elementary shared,
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of the volunteers for their time and energy. You’ve surpassed our expectations! Together, you created a welcoming environment for our students inside and out, and soon they’ll add their own art and symbols to reflect our school values. Thank you for helping us start the year with such positivity.”
Denver City Councilmember Darrell Watson joined us at Hallett Academy, where he reflected on the importance of the day,
“This day is all about showing up for our kids, getting schools ready for a great year, and bringing the community together. When we take care of our schools, we are building pride and connection in our neighborhoods.”
Back to Class Bash Pop-Up Shops
This August, the Denver Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with DPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE), proudly sponsored and participated in the Back to Class Bash Pop-Up Shops, ensuring that students and families across Denver had the resources they needed for a strong start to the school year.
Across three sites, Abraham Lincoln High School, Manual High School, and Evie Dennis Campus, more than 3,200 families and 2,300 students were supported with essential supplies, meals, and health resources. Thanks to generous community partners, families received over 13,000 school supplies valued at $30,000, nearly 1,500 pairs of shoes, hygiene kits, nonperishable food, and 900 meals. Health services were also available, with dozens of children and adults receiving vaccinations before the year began.
In total, more than 100 volunteers came together with schools, corporate sponsors, and community organizations to make the Back to Class Bash a reality. As DPS Foundation President & CEO Sara Hazel shared, “Back to Class Bash reflects the heart of our mission. When we unite schools, partners, and volunteers to support back-to-school efforts, we are sending a powerful message to our students: you are supported, you are valued, and you are ready for the year ahead.”
Back2School 5K, A Fun Run
On September 27th, the DPS Foundation launched its first-ever Back2School 5K Fun Run in partnership with the DPS Employee Wellness Department. More than 350 students, families, educators, and community members came together at Berkeley Lake Park for a morning of exercise, wellness, and fun—all in support of DPS students and educator wellness.
The event was more than a run—it was a celebration of community and a commitment to health and wellness. Proceeds from the 5K directly support the DPS Foundation’s work, funding afterschool programs, career readiness, direct classroom and student grants, wrap-around support for families, and more. Together, we ensured that DPS students started the year with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Educators Take Flight
Thanks to the generous support of DPS Foundation’s official airline partner, United Airlines, Educators Take Flight gives Denver Public Schools educators the opportunity to travel, learn from national experts, and bring new strategies back to their classrooms—directly impacting students across the district.
The year began with a special welcome back event at United’s Flight Training Center, where nearly 45 Educators Take Flight recipients toured the facility, received classroom supplies, and took home exciting prizes including round-trip flight vouchers, one United Club pass, and supply bins.
Since its launch, the program has funded 114 educators to attend professional learning in 21 states and Washington, D.C., covering more than 235,000 miles. In 2024 alone, 39 trips were awarded—an investment of nearly $58,000 in flight vouchers!
Three DPS educators traveled to Los Angeles for the National Association for Educating Young Children Annual Conference.
As Kristina Collins, DPS educator at Colfax Elementary shared: “The wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from this opportunity was invaluable. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without this program! The opportunity to learn, grow, and bring this knowledge back to my students is something I’ll always be thankful for.”
DPS FOUNDATION IN THE COMMUNITY
DPS Foundation team members have been busy spending time out in the Denver community this fall!
Our staff attended several events, including the Trautman and Shreve third annual golf tournament, the United Airlines Flight Training Center welcome back event, and RSM’s Power of Love annual giving campaign. We were also honored to join State Farm’s Golf Tournament, which directed proceeds to support DPS students, educators, and families—including school supply donations for Place Bridge Academy. Southwest Airlines made a big impact through its Spreads the Love initiative, providing essential resources to 10 DPS schools. We also had the opportunity to celebrate our board member, Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya, who was recognized as a Girl Scouts Women of Distinction honoree for her leadership and impact in the community.
FINANCIALS
Figures reported are based on our audited financial statements for 2024–2025
Statement of Activities
TOTAL REVENUE: $7,897,146
Gants Funded Summary
TOTAL FUNDED: $5,379,189
THANK YOU TO OUR HARD WORKING TEAM!
DPS Foundation Team
Sara Hazel
President & CEO
Angelica Garcia
Communications Manager
MaryBeth Lawson
Vice President of Development
Lauren Lindgren
Development Officer, Grants & Foundation Relations
Jenny Martin
Director of Development
Jennifer Mays-Krimmer
Impact Engagement Director
Ashley Muramoto
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Crystal Noonan
Executive Support Manager
Samantha Rogan
Events Manager
Erin Shelby
Senior Development Specialist
Jennifer Struthers-Johnson
Finance Controller
Valeria Serrano Vélez
Grantmaking & Program Manager
DPS Foundation Board Members
Executive Committee
Dr. Rebecca Grant Zarret, Ed.D. Chair, Rebecca Grant Zarret Coaching & Retreats
Carmon Hicks
Immediate Past Chair, Senior Managing Director, Jones Lang LaSalle
Michael V. Kapoor
Chair-Elect, Senior Vice President, Majestic Realty Co.
Nancy Walsh
Secretary, Vice President of Experiences & Partnerships, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dan Galemba
Treasurer, Vice President of Revenue Strategy & Operations, DaVita
Tyler Loy
At-Large Member of Executive Committee, Chief Financial Officer,
The ONE Group
Board Members
Kimberly Allegretti
President, Venn Travel; Attorney, McCollum Crowley, Moschet, Miller & Laak
Stacy Carpenter
Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Marisa A. Carson, Ph.D.
Head of Talent Management, Global Product & Technology, Visa
Mary Clark
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor, University of Denver
Allie Engelken
Vice President of Community Impact, Denver Broncos; Executive Director, Denver Broncos Foundation
Joe Fortna
Executive Vice President, FirstBank
Alphonso Hawkins
Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank
Latia Henderson
Director of Strategic Communications & Informed Communities, Gates Family Foundation
Sylvia Hilario
Corporate Controller, Burgerville LLC
Dr. Alex Marrero (Non-voting)
Superintendent,
Denver Public Schools
Alanna McKiernan
Vice President & Regional Counsel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
Jonathan Narlock
Senior Vice President, PNC Public Finance Group
Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya
Chief Operating Officer, Delta Dental of Colorado
Dr. Carrie Olson
(Non-voting)
President, Denver Public Schools Board of Education
Brandy Radey
Senior Advisor, Community Relations, Suncor
Dr. Ashlee Saddler
District Support Chief, Partnership for Leaders in Education, University of Virginia
David Salazar
Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Comcast
Tony Salazar
Vice President for Outreach & Engagement, University of Colorado System
Lauren Sisneros
Founder & Principal,
LS Consultants, LLC
Kristin Stork
Director of Strategic Partnerships, Denver7
Jamie Villarreal Bassett
Director of Culture & Engagement,
Pinnacol Assurance
Alec Wynne
Managing Director, Greenwood CRE Denver, LLC
BJ Youngerman
Managing Director of Global Market Strategy & Community Impact, United Airlines