Foundation Continues Its Support for Royal Oak Schools

The Royal Oak Foundation for Public Education recently released its 2013 Annual Report, highlighting a successful year of fundraising and a program of continued giving and support for Royal Oak Schools. 

In 2013 the Foundation raised over $20,000 from its 20th annual golf outing at Red Run Golf Club under the leadership of Patrick Wolynski and 2nd annual Taste of Michigan event held at Holiday Market in February.

The Foundation sponsors four major programs in the district:

• Comcast/Royal Oak Schools Internet Essentials
• Jump Start Music Program
• PTA Council Parent U
• Dan Champagne College Scholarship

To enhance families’ access to technology for student learning, the Foundation awarded nearly $8,000 to fund the Comcast/Royal Oak Schools Internet Essentials program.  The purpose of this partnership is to provide technology and internet access for up to 100 socio-economically disadvantaged students in Royal Oak.

An annual donation of $5,000 continues to support the Jump Start music program. This is an instrumental music program for 5th grade students interested in playing in band or orchestra.  The program provides instrument fitting, clinics, and financial assistance with private lessons and instrument rental.

The Foundation partnered with Royal Oak’s PTA Council with a donation of $3,250 for the Council’s Parent U at Royal Oak High School in November, 2013.  

The Foundation continues to fund an annual and renewable $1,000 college scholarship in the name of former School Board member, Dan Champagne. This scholarship is awarded to a high school student in Royal Oak who demonstrates strong community service and enrolls as a full-time student at Oakland Community College.

Foundation President Christine Hartwig announced plans for 2014 including a major donation to one of Royal Oak Schools’ primary performing arts venues, Royal Oak Middle School’s Dondero Auditorium. The donation is targeted for enhancements and improvements to the audio and video at this venue to provide a premier performing arts center for student and community use.

Source: Royal Oak Schools