Bellevue Schools Foundation Celebrates Forty Years with The Most Successful “spring for Schools” Luncheon to Date

On Friday, May 3rd, I was thrilled to join a collective of fellow Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) brokers and the firm’s executive team at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue for the Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools luncheon. Now in its 40th year, the Foundation pulled out all the stops this year, selecting John Stanton—managing partner of the Seattle Mariners and a Bellevue School District alumnus—as honorary chair. We are still awaiting the final donation figure; however, it is anticipated that 2019 was yet another record-breaking year in fundraising, projected to reach greater heights than the $825,000 raised in the 2018 event—and a far cry from the first year, which (as I learned at this year’s luncheon) raised just $7,000.

To be sure, the Bellevue Schools Foundation has grown significantly in its forty years, with funds that are allocated to meet many needs within the school district, from enriching music and arts programs that are vital to a well-rounded learning environment, to computer science, technology and classroom needs. With this strong community assistance, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Bellevue School District consistently ranks among the top districts in the nation. The schools maintain high standards and are fortunate to have talented teachers who are well supported by the community.

I left the event feeling inspired by the eloquent students and staff members, who shared the ways in which the Bellevue Schools Foundation has positively impacted their educational experiences, to see the direct impact our support has. I also very much enjoyed John Stanton’s key note remarks. He’s a friend of, former little league coach, and former student of the Bellevue public school system—matriculating to Woodridge Elementary in 1973 and eventually graduating from Newport High School. It is a wonderful thought to consider that the Foundation is working to create truly exceptional educational experiences for the future John Stanton’s of the region.

In addition to funds raised at this year’s Spring for Schools luncheon, the Bellevue Schools Foundation also participated in Give Big on May 8th, which secured another $26,100. Learn more about this worthy cause or donate here.