Foundation luncheon raises $36,000 for North Thurston kids in need

About $36,000 was raised in pledges and donations during the recent 10th annual Partners for Kids Luncheon, according to Liz Squires, with the North Thurston Education Foundation.

Most of the money will be used to support the nonprofit’s Student Assistance Grants program, which covers student expenses that many families in South Sound’s largest school district cannot afford, such as clothing, medication, fees for athletic and music programs, utility bills and groceries, Squires said.

The funds also help support a program known as McGimpsey Pantries, which provides food, toiletries and other personal items to low-income middle and high school students, she added.

Since 1989, the North Thurston Education Foundation has assisted nearly 17,000 students through its various efforts.

Its Oct. 9 luncheon featured keynote speaker Erin Jones, director of Equity and Achievement for Federal Way Public Schools, and former assistant superintendent of Student Achievement with the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Every student wants a place to belong, people to believe in them, so they become great,” she said at the event. “...How do we in North Thurston create a place where every student belongs? As a community we can ensure they have access to all the necessary resources.”

For more information on the foundation, go to www.ntef.org.