Community Giving: The West Irondequoit Foundation
Erica is celebrating 15 years in real estate by giving back and donating to 15 charities in 2018. This month we are highlighting the West Irondequoit Foundation and the wonderful work they do for the community.
The West Irondequoit Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1987 to receive gifts, bequests and donations in order to provide funding to enhance the educational programs of the West Irondequoit Central School District (WICSD).
Important Facts:
- The Foundation raises funds to underwrite teacher-initiated grants for projects, equipment and programs that cannot be supported by the district’s annual operating budget.
- The Foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors whose energies are deeply rooted in an enduring pride and abiding commitment to WICSD.
- They rely entirely on the support of alumni, businesses and the community to carry out the Foundation’s endeavors in support of educational excellence.
- They raise funds through an annual campaign, special events and grant writing, among other things.
- The WI Foundation has granted more than $909,088 to West Irondequoit Central School District Teachers and Programs since 1990 when the first grants were awarded.
The West Irondequoit Foundation approved the following Grants for 2018:
A Summer Camp for incoming Full-Day Kindergarten students. Eligibility was based upon the screening process for all incoming students. This program provided targeted academic instruction while helping incoming kindergarteners develop self-esteem and other readiness skills
Enhanced Science Instruction through Virtual Field Trips. 7th and 8th grade science students received the Google Expedition Kit. This Virtual Reality Technology brings students on expeditions that are teacher directed, while at the same time providing student autonomy while “on site” to further explore, question, and analyze- the habits of mind of a true scientist. For example, students can explore the surface of Mars or dive into the inter-workings of cells in the human body.
An Interactive Flat Panel for Special Education Classes. This interactive screen assists students who are non-verbal or have significant expressive language delays. The PASS-NuVoice software provides a model of how to use language systems throughout the day.
These Grants, totaling $19,157.00 were completely funded through donor support of The West Irondequoit Foundation.
2017 marked the 30th Anniversary of the West Irondequoit Foundation. In November of 2017, the Foundation celebrated with a party and art auction at The Stutson House on Stutson St. Local artists, Susan Carmen Duffy, Brandi Marino, and Jeanette Musliner, were commissioned by The West Irondequoit Foundation to transform three Windows that had not been commissioned in 2002 for the Windows on Irondequoit Public Art Project. Other local artists and many from the Irondequoit Art Club submitted art for a silent auction. Sponsors included: Clark Patterson Lee, Full Measre, Cause&Effect Strategy and Marketing, Harris Beach PLLC, WP Taillie Service, Inc., Benefit Resourse Inc., Rochester Museum and Science Center, Wegmans, and the Burns, DePeters, and Thompson families. The event was well attended with wonderful food and amazing art.
To find out more information and how you can support the West Irondequoit Foundation visit their website:
WestIrondequoitFoundation.org or on their Facebook page.