Spring for Schools 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 5, 2008 -- Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) raised a record $554,000 on behalf of Bellevue School District at its 20th annual Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon, held today at Meydenbauer Center.

One thousand business and community leaders gathered for the event to demonstrate their support of Bellevue schools' 16,500 students. Proceeds benefit BSF-funded programs to support academic rigor, students, and teachers in the Bellevue School District.

The program, hosted by emcee M.J. McDermott, Q13 FOX News Meteorologist, began with a special presentation by BSF president Bob Lowe, who recognized Mark Pigott of PACCAR Inc. for his years of generous support. In addition to a special 20th anniversary video, student presentations included:

• Newport High School students Dylan Manning, Tia Nichols, and Dayle
     Walters, presenting results of BSF-funded Science Discovery program
     and how it has benefited them.
• Woodridge Elementary School students Cyrus Khalegi, Nicole Mander,
     Joniquia "Joni" Miller, Ethan Schiller, and teacher Gayle St. George who
     talked about the Bridging the Achievement Gap program and how it has
     helped them succeed in math.

Bill Pollard, Bellevue business leader and parent, concluded the event with an appeal to his fellow business and community leaders to step up to the challenge and support our schools.

Since 1979, BSF has raised over $15 million to support academic rigor, students, and teachers throughout the district. The Foundation works closely with schools and the district to identify, select, and fund existing and new programs that help the thousands of students reach their goals.

About the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)
The Bellevue School Foundation is a powerful partnership between business and community leaders, parents, and members of the education community. BSF was created in 1979 by a concerned group of parents and community leaders, who wanted to ensure quality education for Bellevue's children despite unreliable state funding for public schools. Its mission remains consistent: to promote and help fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in the Bellevue School District. During its 29-year history, the BSF has raised over $15 million for programs that reach over 16,500 students every year.

As a private, non-profit organization, the BSF depends on individual, foundation, and corporate donors in order to fund its school programs. In partnership with the Bellevue School District and Parent-Teacher Associations, the Bellevue Schools Foundation helps Bellevue's public school students achieve academic excellence.

For more information about the Bellevue Schools Foundation or to make a donation, please contact BSF at 425.456.4199, email at info@bsfdn.org, or by logging on to www.bsfdn.org.

Media Contact:
Sherry Ladd
Executive Director
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Tel: 425.456.4199
info@bsfdn.org