IMPACT NEWSLETTER

July 2022
President's Message from Cindy Morris
A BIG thanks to all who supported our 25th Annual Golf Outing on June 27th! We set an all-time fundraising high for this event, surpassing our goal by quite a bit. I'm often humbled and delighted by the love and support we receive at the PPS Foundation. I know it’s cliche to say it is for the kids, but really, at the end of the day, it is for the kids. They are the main purpose of education and why we work so hard at what we do. 
 
I wanted to include this photo of our student intern, Mia, who joined us for the golf outing event. It made me so happy to take her around the course that day. We talked about many things such as golf, her summer plans, and college. She is an amazing young lady, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. At the PPS Foundation we are thankful to be able to work with Peoria Public School students and the wonderful teachers and staff. Thank you again to all our friends and supporters. We are excited for the new school year to start!
Adopt-A-School NEEDS Your Organization
The Adopt-A-School program is a partnership between a diverse number of Peoria organizations and an individual school. The purpose of the program is to utilize the vast amounts of human resources and talents of our community to strengthen, enhance, and enrich the quality of education in the Peoria Public Schools. 

Looking at the 2022-2023 school year, we need organizations who would like to partner with us to help alleviate food insecurity in our schools. In particular, the Snack Pack initiative needs a committed partner to help assemble and distribute weekend food supplies to the students in our schools. These "packs" go out once a week to each student in the school and provide needed food resources to supplement meals over the weekends for the families in Peoria Public Schools.

If you would like more information about the Snack Pack program or other ways your organization can partner with our schools, please contact our Adopt-A-School coordinator, Janet Ham, at janet.ham@psd150.org.
We are also in need of donations to purchase food for our Little Free Pantries, which are located at each of the Peoria Public Schools. Click the button below to donate to this fund. A heartfelt thank you in advance for your generosity!
We recently talked with friend of the PPS Foundation, Alex Sierra, who serves on the Peoria Park District Board of Trustees. Alex was also a PPS student Board of Education member when he attended Manual High School. Thanks for talking with us, Alex!

What's someting you saw recently that made you smile?

That's such a tough question! I usually smile over the smallest of things. I really aim to enjoy the little things in life! My face lights up every time I see a former teacher, though! Recently, I saw Superintendent Dr. Kherat and I could not help but smile - every time! So, in short, educators!

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which ones would you pick?

Personally, I am not a fan of technology, even though I find myself glued to my phone. If I had to choose, it would be: LinkedIn, Youtube and (now) I'm a TikToker.

If you could snap your fingers and immediately learn to do anything, what would it be?

That is a loaded question! I am such an optimist - it would definitely be something along the lines of solving big picture problems... I'd have to go with learning how to resolve world-wide food inequities and hunger. Healthy, proper nutrition is SO important (social, physical, mental, emotional, etc.)!

Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

To date, no, but I have been dying to go to a Rolling Loud concert! Also, I would have loved to witness Queen in-person! Aaaah... the good days... 

What is your favorite meal or restaurant in Peoria?

I, unapologetically, love chicken. Yup. That's it.

Thank you to Alex for chatting with us! We love his energy and dedication to improving our Peoria community.
Notecards Available for $25 Donation
The PPS Foundation has notecards available with a $25 donation. Keep in touch with your family and friends and support a good cause! The donation will be applied to our Right Now Fund to help students and schools where it is needed most.

A set contains six note cards (plus envelopes) with exclusive artwork created by PPS students. These fantastic pieces were entered into our HeART Facebook Contest and displayed at the Peoria Riverfront Museum!

Notecards can be picked up at the PPS Foundation's office in Junction City Shopping Center. We will send you an email when they are ready!
WE TAKE ONLINE DONATIONS!
Click the picture below to donate.
Ad spots are available on the new electronic sign located on the PPS Stadium property. The sign has great visibility for both eastbound and westbound traffic on War Memorial Drive. $300 per week or $1,000 per month spots are available. Artwork must be in a 2100 x 900 jpg file. The sign is 14 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

All proceeds for sign advertisement go directly to help Peoria Public School's campaign to improve the stadium property. For more information, contact jennifer.adler@psd150.org.
PPS Foundation's Board of Directors:
Dan Adler, Andre Allen, Ruth Bittner, Solivian Dismuke, Maarten de Haas, Alex Elger, Cheryl Sanfilip, and Cathy Wiggers

Ex Officio Board Members:
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat (PPS Superintendant) and Mike Murphy (PPS Board of Education)

PPS Foundation's Staff:
Cindy Morris - President
Jen Adler - Administrative Director
Trish O'Shaughnessy - Director of Programming & Community Engagement
Janet Ham - Adopt-A-School Coordinator
Matt Violet - Data and Programming Logistics Coordinator
Annalee Anderson - Career Tech Advocate
Sara Montgomery - Career Tech Advocate
Olivia Smith - Career Tech Advocate