Denver Public Schools Foundation Reimagines Annual Gala and Brings the Event to the Community

Gala sponsors, school partners and community members will join in person at school sites and virtually on August 7 for a chance to physically rebuild the community together.

DENVER – With the pandemic cancelling the initial Achieve Gala in April, DPS Foundation decided to get a little creative to ensure students and educators feel supported, while also following safety and social distancing guidelines. On Friday, August 7, business and community leaders will gather at Manual High School, Johnson Elementary, Stedman Elementary and Greenwood Elementary for Achieve Gala 2020 Transformed to help beautify the schools as a way to celebrate the start of the school year. At Manual High School, Achieve Gala’s would-be keynote speaker, 2020 graduate Joyclyn Reed from Northfield High School will be starting the volunteer day by sharing her story.

Media is invited to join in the celebration at Manual High School (1700 E 28^th Ave). The brief program will begin shortly after volunteer check in at 8 a.m. and the day of service will be completed by 11 a.m.

“When I heard about the opportunity to share my story with a live audience, I was immediately excited and eager to jump right in. With graduation and the end of my time as a DPS student not looking as I originally planned, this will be a nice way to say goodbye to this chapter. I am excited to share the many opportunities DPS has given me and to explain why supporting DPS has an impact to the district,” said Joyclyn Reed, keynote student speaker from Northfield High School.

DPS Foundation has also partnered with school leaders to identify what opportunities and needs there are for our community to support virtually. There are numerous options ideal for companies or individuals whether it’s mask making, writing physical and e-cards for students and educators or by participating in a supply drive! This offers everyone the chance to give back at the start of the new school year in whatever form of support works best.

“During this time, we know many are seeking opportunities to support the community where they live. This event provides a number of meaningful ways to give back. It’s inspiring to see how many individuals and business and community leaders immediately leaped at this opportunity to show students and educators that they have a community who stands behind them,” said Verónica Figoli, DPS Foundation President & CEO.

Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this day possible. A special thanks to Premier Gala Sponsors including The Anschutz Foundation, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, McKinstry, U.S. Engineering Company, Walton Family Foundation, and Western Union Foundation, and to Johnson Elementary day-of site sponsor Moreton & Company.

For more information about how to support students as they head back to school, visit us online at dpsfoundation.org/back-to-school.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation
The Denver Public Schools Foundation is the strategic fundraising partner for Denver Public Schools. We believe that our city is strengthened by every student who graduates ready to lead a successful life. We invest in accelerating progress; we connect the community to our classrooms; and we inspire confidence in the promise of public education for DPS’s more than 90,000 students and more than 200 schools. Learn more at www.dpsfoundation.org.