| Standing Ovation Raises Critical Funds to Accelerate the Transformation of DC Public Schools |
| Thursday, September 22, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Philanthropic and Business Communities Step Up to Support DC Public Education Fund’s Second Annual Event
WASHINGTON, D.C.: DC Public Education Fund’s second annual A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers succeeds in raising critical funds to advance excellence in DC Public Schools (DCPS). Generous contributions from the philanthropic and business communities show that education is the top priority in Washington, D.C.
“It is amazing to have such incredible organizations and individuals supporting our efforts to reward and retain great teachers and school leaders,” said Cate Swinburn, Executive Director of the DC Public Education Fund, “By participating in this event, these remarkable partners are showing the DC community and the nation that a great school system is a top priority in our nation’s capital.”
Standing Ovation raised over $775,000 and brought together nearly 2,000 members of the civic, business, education and philanthropic communities for the vibrant Sept. 19th celebration in the Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Guests enjoyed an exciting performance by Grammy Award-winning recording artist and philanthropist John Legend, as well as appearances by a diverse group of presenters, including: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Eli Broad; “Godfather of Go Go” Chuck Brown; DC Mayor Vincent Gray; Georgetown university Men’s Basketball Coach John Thompson III, Washington Redskin player Rocky McIntosh, Kennedy Center Chairman of the Board David Rubenstein; and, Emmy Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard. The event was made possible due in large part to the strong support of a variety of corporate and individual donors, including:
“It is a great honor to recognize our outstanding educators for their dedication, skill and commitment,” said DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. “Recognizing and rewarding teachers and principals shows our families, students and community what we believe is most important to the success of our schools: exceptional educators.”
Standing Ovation engages the broader community in celebration of DCPS’ highly effective educators, raising critical funds and the profiles of great teachers and principals.
For photos and videos from this year’s event, follow the links.
The mission of the Education Fund is to advance excellence in DC Public Schools through private philanthropy. The Education Fund works closely with the school system’s leadership to support effective teaching and high student achievement in every classroom, in every school, in DC Public Schools. Since November 2007, the Education Fund has secured over $80 million in commitments on behalf of DC Public Schools from a diverse array of supporters, more than 80% of whom are based in the DC metro area. Visit www.dceducationfund.org to learn more about the Education Fund. Follow us on Twitter: @DCEdFund. |