For Immediate Release:
May 29, 2024
For More Information:
Luke Merchlewitz, Interim Executive Director
507-494-1004
Luke.Merchlewitz@winona.k12.mn.us
May 11 was a busy day for the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools and its supporters. After two fundraising events in one day, over $103,000 was raised to help purchase new generation SMART Boards in all Winona Area Public Schools classrooms.
The total amount raised was a record in the Foundation’s 12 years of hosting dinner fundraisers. However, this year included a new addition: a morning run/walk fundraiser.
The day began with the first-ever Donut Dash 4K Run/Walk and Mini Donut 1K Kids Run at Winona Senior High School. Nearly 400 individuals registered to participate. The day concluded with a Beatles-themed “Come Together” Dinner at Winona State University’s Kryzsko Commons Ballroom & Solarium. Guests enjoyed Beatles music and trivia, dinner, as well as live and silent auctions. A special thank you to the lead sponsors of both events: Merchants Bank and WNB Financial.
In 2023, the Foundation raised $86,000 for new SMART Boards in all WAPS elementary schools: Goodview, Jefferson, and Washington-Kosciusko. This year’s funds will help purchase new Boards at Winona Middle School, Winona Senior High School, and the Winona Area Learning Center.
The Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools is an independent, non-profit, 501(c)3 organization established in 1991 and funded entirely by community and business supporters of education in Winona. If you were unable to attend the fundraising events but would like to support the SMART Board fund, please visit www.FoundationWAPS.org/make-a-donation or contact the Foundation Office at Support@FoundationWAPS.org or 507-494-1004.
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