Tuesday’s second annual DPS Foundation gala dinner - a celebration of Denver Public Schools - raised $1,268,500 for Denver students, and donations continue to pour in from individuals who were unable to attend the event.

More than 1,000 DPS employees and community members turned out for the colorful celebration of district accomplishments.

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous support this community has for Denver’s schools,” said Elaine Gantz Berman, a member of the Denver Board of Education and vice chair of DPS Foundation Board of Directors. “This year’s gala was twice as big as last year’s event and more than doubled the amount of money raised for students in Denver Public Schools.”

Contributions included $813,500 in tickets sales and donations and $30,000 from a silent auction during the pre-dinner reception. The City of Denver dedicated $250,000 for “Lights on Afterschool” - and the Mile High United Way donated another $170,000 to the critical after school programming for elementary and middle school students.

In addition, banquet attendees stuffed lunch-sized milk carton centerpieces with $5,000 during the dinner itself. That money will be used to buy books - the actual books that served as colorful table centerpieces - needed in schools.

Many local dignitaries were in attendance, including Governor Bill Owens, Mayor John Hickenlooper and other elected officials.

“This is a district that’s not afraid of challenges,” said Governor Owens in his remarks to attendees. “This is, I believe, the best urban school district in the nation.”

Earlier this year, the Governor named DPS the only Colorado school district to earn the Governor’s Award for Distinguished Improvement for the second year in a row. He even designated a day in January as a day recognizing the achievements of Denver Public Schools.

“I love working with Superintendent Jerry Wartgow and the DPS Board of Education to find new ways for the city to partner with and support Denver Public Schools,” said Mayor Hickenlooper. “The progress they are making is tremendous. Not only did Governor Owens name DPS the most improved school district in the state two years in a row, but I am confident that we are on the brink of being one of the top urban school districts in the nation. And I am not alone in that confidence. How else can you explain Denver voters approving the bond issue and mill levy last fall? It was a vote of confidence in our kids, in our schools and in our district.”

Students performances throughout the evening included the Bryant Webster Elementary Mariachi Band, Denver School of the Arts dancers, East High Angelaires, Greenlee Elementary Mile Highland Dancers, Hamilton Middle School Jazz Band, Kennedy High School Shakespearean Actors, Valverde Elementary Grupo Folklorico Infantil Viva Mexico, Veronica Gallegos of North High School, West High School Madrigal Choir and Zoe and Annie Aqua.

For more information, contact the DPS Public Information Office at 720-423-3553.