Kent Communities In Schools of Kent recently hosted its annual fundraising breakfast at the Kent Phoenix Academy, raising more than $24,000.
The amount surpassed last year’s total of $13,000.
CISK, a nonprofit agency, is dedicated to empowering students to achieve in school and succeed in life.
“The breakfast really highlighted the success of our students and the roles our volunteers play in their lives. It is inspiring to see the difference that this positive impact has,” said Executive Director David de la Fuente.
With nearly 200 in attendance, the school’s gymnasium was filled with leaders and supporters of the community’s youth, including State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn), State Reps. Mark Hargrove, Tina Orwell, Pat Sullivan; Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke; Covington Mayor Margaret Harto; Green River Community College president, Dr. Eileen Ely; KSD Assistant Superintendent Merri Rieger; Kent City Councilmembers Denis Higgins, Dana Ralph and Elizabeth Albertson and School Board member Tim Clark.
During the event students and advocates spoke about some of Communities In Schools of Kent’s various programs.
Kent Phoenix Academy Principal Merrilee Lyle spoke at the conclusion of the main program, emphasizing that the community has to work together to get many of the district’s students through school. She stressed that students face roadblocks and challenges that many can only imagine.
“We surveyed our students at the beginning of the school year and 83 percent do not feel safe at home,” she said. “Throughout our student body there is poverty, hunger, homelessness, bullying and abuse, isolation and difficult family and life situations.
“Our schools are not enough. We have to have help,” she said.
“Communities in Schools places staff and volunteers directly in the schools, so that we can truly understand student needs and easily access community resources. Our mission is simple, we surround students with a community of support,” de la Fuente said.
The Windermere Foundation was the presenting sponsor. Major sponsors included: Umpqua Bank; Kiwanis Club of Kent; Walmart; Tom and Judy Wood; and Lyn and Mary Johnson. Additional sponsorship came from the Kent Firefighters Foundation; Lions Club of Kent; Roberta Ohno; Valley Bank; Woodsmen of the World; Kiwanis Clubs of Covington; and Kiwanis Club of Kent AM.
The following groups also supported the breakfast: Kent School District; Kent Rotary; Kent Youth and Family Services; Green River Community College; and the Kent Chamber; as well as in-kind breakfast donors, Golden Steer; Kent Phoenix Academy; Clowns Unlimited; and Kona Kai Coffee.
The raffle prize sponsors included: Applebee’s; Auburn Symphony Orchestra; Hastings House; Mama Sortini’s; Mexico Lindo; Mexico Lindo; Mike Potefield; Pacific Northwest Ballet; Pacific Science Center; Party City; Puyallup Fair; Seattle Mariners; Seattle Team Shop; Panera Bread; Seattle Thunderbirds; Triple Door; Seattle Sounders; and Top Food & Drug.
Communities in Schools is the nation’s leading drop-out prevention organization.
Its services include mentoring, college preparatory, academic support, internships, food, clothing, and access to other needed support.
For more on Community in Schools, visit www.kent.ciswa.org or call 253-867-5637.
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