LYNNWOOD, Wash., April 6, 2021 – The Foundation for Edmonds School District announced today that it raised $162,879 during its annual A Recipe for Success! breakfast fundraiser on March 17, 2021. The event drew more than 300 local civic and business leaders, district staff, and community supporters who joined the Foundation for their virtual event.

Funds raised by the event will be used to provide a wide range of programs, including post-secondary scholarships, classroom and schoolwide grants for innovative teaching ideas, school supplies, and test fees. Importantly, funds will provide financial and nutritional support to children and families who are facing financial instability, persistent poverty, and homelessness, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the Whole Families, Whole Communities and Nourishing Network Programs.

During her presentation, Executive Director Deborah Brandi highlighted the important partnership between the Foundation and the Edmonds School District and praised the efforts of the Nourishing Network and the District’s Nutrition Staff. Their coordinated efforts continue to provide thousands of meals each week to children in need.

Guests also heard from Nancy Webster, a first grade teacher at Martha Lake Elementary, who, with the help of a Foundation classroom grant, created a virtual reading environment for her class that’s showing impressive results. “The virtual environment has demanded extra creativity and innovation from our educators,” says Deborah Brandi, “we have been honored to be their partner and to award grants to make their incredible ideas possible.”

In a typical year, the Foundation serves roughly 8,000 students across the Edmonds School District struggling with underemployment and poverty, with more than 650 children facing homelessness. Due to the pandemic, the Foundation has served double the amount of students in the last year. “Support from our community is vital,” says Deborah Brandi, “without the help of our community partners, businesses, and grantors, we wouldn’t be able to provide such important programs”. 

The Edmonds School District is Snohomish County’s largest public school district, serving more than 21,000 students across 35 campuses. Boundaries span five communities including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Brier and part of Bothell. For 37 years, the Foundation for Edmonds School District has worked in partnership with the District to ensure that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. With an all-volunteer board and active community participants, the Foundation provides supplemental funding to support students, families, and educators in the pursuit of educational excellence. www.foundationesd.org