As we look back on the frosty blue ice of winter, the Foundation for WAPS was too all about the blues with their annual fundraising event this year, “Blues and Brews”. Island City Brewing Company, with their taste sensations of craft beers and Jefferson Pub & Grill with their mouthwatering appetizers, was hosts to our soulful and “bluesy” event. “Blues music is about life-the good parts and the bad parts. At the Foundation for WAPS, we were definitely coming together to celebrate life and the great things happening in public education.
The Foundation and 2017 Event Committee set out on a journey to raise money for Academics, Arts, Athletics and Activities for all Winona Area Public Schools. As a Foundation, we were proud to serve so many needs in this category last year, so we decided to repeat the effort. We can be so proud to partner with the Winona Area Public Schools where our goal is to expand, enrich and enhance education. With the support of so many businesses, individuals, and our two lead sponsors, Merchants Bank and Winona National Bank, we were able to raise over $49,000 to enrich education in the Winona Area Public Schools.
Because of the support of so many, the Foundation for WAPS was able to purchase musical equipment and instruments, reading program books, art supplies, pre-K through 12 educational materials, CPR equipment, Bluetooth speakers, outdoor classroom and recess equipment, learning chairs, broadcasting equipment, and so much more.
Each year the Foundation’s Board of Directors awards the Legacy Award which is presented to a citizen or organization that shows exemplary support and commitment to the Foundation’s goal to enhance education with dedication to our community of learners. The 2017 Legacy Award was presented to Dave Mertes. Dave taught business courses at WSHS for 35 years. He stayed an additional 8 years and helped out in the Athletics and Activities office. He volunteered more hours than can be counted with the Booster Club and served as Treasurer for the last 9 years. He was a key member in raising funds and realizing the dream of the “Wall of Champions” at the WSHS, served on the Foundation for WAPS Board of Directors for six years and remains active on the Foundation for WAPS Alumni Committee. It is with the great support of such wonderful people, like Dave, who keep enriching and enhancing education for our students. Congratulations to Dave Mertes for the Foundation for WAPS 2017 Legacy Award.
In addition, a special thank you is extended to the many sponsors, business donors, silent auction donors, and Event Committee members that gave their time and money to make the 2017 “Blues and Brews” event an overwhelming success.
Again, the Foundation for WAPS is here to support the kids and we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you again for all of the continued support of the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools. Photos from the event will be posted on our Facebook page. For more information about the Foundation for Winona Area Public schools, contact Shelley Milek.
Congratulations to Dave Mertes
for the Foundation for WAPS
2017 Legacy Award
Each year the Foundation’s Board of Directors awards the Legacy Award which is presented to a citizen or organization that shows exemplary support and commitment to the Foundation’s goal to enhance education with dedication to our community of learners. The 2017 Legacy Award was presented to Dave Mertes. Dave taught business courses at WSHS for 35 years. He stayed an additional 8 years and helped out in the Athletics and Activities office. He volunteered more hours than can be counted with the Booster Club and served as Treasurer for the last 9 years. He was a key member in raising funds and realizing the dream of the “Wall of Champions” at the WSHS, served on the Foundation for WAPS Board of Directors for six years and remains active on the Foundation for WAPS Alumni Committee. It is with the great support of such wonderful people, like Dave, who keep enriching and enhancing education for our students. Congratulations to Dave Mertes for the Foundation for WAPS 2017 Legacy Award.