Lake Washington Schools Foundation fundraiser luncheon slated for May 23

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation's (LWSF) annual fundraiser, A Legacy for Learning Luncheon, will be May 23 at Lake Washington High School (LWHS) in 12033 N.E. 80th St. and feature Tony Ventrella, media host for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC, as the keynote speaker.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event's program will be from 11:30-12:45 p.m.

The program will include additional guest speakers: former KIRO 7 news anchor Monica Hart and Puget Sound Energy Vice President Andy Wappler.

For 27 years, Ventrella was sports director for both KING 5 and KIRO 7 Television. He remains involved with the sports industry working with the Seahawks and Sounders FC. Hart also has an extensive background in television, but is now proprietor of LaFamiglia Design. Wappler, as PSE's head of corporate affairs, is responsible for building the company's relationships with communities, government and major customers.

The annual luncheon, whose theme this year is "Growing Tomorrow's Great Minds Today, One Child at a Time," will also feature demonstrations of foundation-funded programs, tours of the newly remodeled LWHS and student and teacher presentations.

The event brings together the communities of Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish. More than 500 people attended last year's event. This year seating is limited, so early reservations are recommended. There are still opportunities to be a table captain for tables of eight, to sponsor the luncheon or to volunteer to help make this event a success.

Founded in 2005, the LWSF raises money to ensure academic excellence and success for all students in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD). The foundation has granted nearly $1 million dollars for programs that have reached nearly all of the district's 25,000 students.

State budget cuts over the last four years have resulted in $16 million less in funding for important educational programs that directly impact student learning.

LWSF seeks to bridge the gap between basic education funding as provided by the state and what is needed to meet the LWSD vision of "Every student future ready: Prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace, prepared for personal success."

To register for the event or for more information, visit www.lwsf.org or call (425) 936-1414.

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