IMPACT NEWSLETTER
August 2020
President's Message
Welcome to a new school year! We know this year is going to look very different compared to other years, but the PPS Foundation will be working hard to provide support to our PPS students, schools, and staff. Check out the video below to hear an update from Peoria Public Schools Foundation President Cindy Morris.
A Successful 23rd Annual Golf Outing!

Thank you to all who participated, donated, and supported our annual Golf Outing on July 20th. This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we rely on it to provide funds for many of our programs. We are extremely happy to report that we exceeded our expectations and raised nearly $44,000!

Next year's Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 21st at the Country Club of Peoria. We are already looking forward to it and will send more information about the event early next year.

Be sure to check out some pictures from this year's event by clicking on the picture below!
An Update on our Programs
Our mission at the PPS Foundation has always been to provide as much support as we can to PPS students and families. During this time, many things are looking different but our support for the school district is as strong as ever.
CRG
Classroom Grant Program
We have again partnered with the Yeomans Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to offer two types of classroom grants to PPS staff: a traditional classroom grant and a STEM grant. Click HERE to read more information on the program. Applications can be submitted online between now and October 1st. Due to the district pivoting to distance learning, please note that any projects ideas you want to complete in the Fall semester must be to help with virtual learning. Projects to be completed in the Spring semester do not need to be focused on just distance learning.
The Horizons Program
This program will continue the important work of providing career readiness to PPS students. However, it will be all virtual for at least the first semester of school. We have partnered with the Peoria Playhouse and Peoria Park District to provide a library of See it. Be it. career videos that teachers and students can access from our website. Check it out HERE. Also, be on the look out for an opportunity to sign up to be a virtual career speaker this semester for middle school students. A sign up genius link with dates and times will be e-mailed out in September.
Adopt-a-School Program
We are continuing to make sure our schools are in touch with their partners and continuing to maintain that relationship. The Little Free Pantries will be a major focus for this program in the coming months as we continue to partner with Hy-Vee and other community members to make sure they stay well stocked. We are also looking for school supplies for PPS students in need. Please contact the PPS Foundation's office at 309-713-3608 if you are willing to donate.

Questions? Please e-mail patricia.oshaughnessy@psd150.org for Horizons Program, sarah.oakford for the Adopt-a-School Program, and jennifer.adler@psd150.org for the Classroom Grant Program.
Check Out Buzz Chats, a PPS Foundation Video Series!
Each week we will be connecting with different members of our community to talk about our public schools and how they interact with current events in Peoria.

Recently, we caught up with Richwoods High School teacher and PPS Foundation Grant Recipient Joe Baumgardner. Check out his tips on applying for our Classroom Grant program in the video below.

Future broadcasts can be found on our Facebook page each Thursday at 6:30 PM. Next week's upcoming chat will feature the PPS Foundation staff. Be sure to tune in to hear about what we are up to this school year.
Buzz Chats with Joe Baumgardner
HERO of the Month: Alex O'Shaughnessy
Congratulations to Alex O'Shaughnessy for being chosen as our August PPS Foundation HERO! Alex is a recent graduate of Richwoods High School and will be attending Bradley University this year. He has been working with the PPS Foundation for close to ten years and is truly deserving of this award. Alex has volunteered at many of our events, helped with our programming, putting supply bags together, and so much more. We love Alex and appreciate so much his awesome support over the years!
Hy-Vee on Sheridan - an AMAZING partner and supporter!
One of the big challenges our community is facing during this time is making sure families in need have enough food to eat. The PPS Foundation would like to send a HUGE thank you to Hy-Vee on Sheridan for working with us to provide food and grocery deliveries to PPS families most at risk. We are truly in awe at the amount of support they have provided. Thank you for being so wonderful to work with, Hy-Vee!
PPS Foundation's Board of Directors:
Andre Allen, Ruth Bittner, Solivian Dismuke, Maarten de Haas,
Scott McCord, Daniel Musisi, Cheryl Sanfilip, and Cathy Wiggers

PPS Foundation's Staff:
Cindy Morris (President), Jen Adler (Administrative Director),
Sarah Oakford (Adopt-A-School Coordinator), Trish O'Shaughnessy (Director, Community Engagement & Horizons Program), Allison Coulter (Horizons), and Ella Dancey (Horizons)