Superintendent Aramaki leads BSF’s fall fundraiser with a personal pledge for BSD’s Beloved Community
Bellevue, WA – Superintendent Kelly Aramaki invites the Bellevue School District (BSD) community to partner with him in raising $19,318 for the district to kick off the Best Friends Forever with Bellevue Schools Foundation (BFF with BSF) giving campaign! His goal, including a personal contribution, represents one dollar for each amazing student enrolled and he urges others to donate a date or number of significance in their lives or that of a loved one. BSF Development Director Michael Smith says, “Dr. Aramaki has committed to raising this significant number....We encourage others to pick a number that is significant to them – students at your school, the year your child was born......regardless of what the number is, it is a meaningful investment in our students at a time when the needs have never been greater.”
The community is invited out to support BSF and meet Dr. Aramaki this Saturday at BSF’s 3rd annual Block Party, September 28, at Bellevue Downtown Park, from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public. Dr. Aramaki shares, “Bellevue, along with district across the state, is struggling with an inadequate funding model from the state. Public education has long been a top priority for our community, and we must advocate for programs and services that our kids deserve, including mental health supports, academic interventions, music and the arts, transportation for unhoused students, activities and enrichment, and more. In the meantime, the Bellevue Schools Foundation is a critical partner in helping us close our funding gap, and I’m proud to support their efforts.” This is the third time BSF has hosted this community event to celebrate and invest in critical academic programs- only possible through widespread community donations and anticipate over 2,500 people to attend.
“The school district, like many others across Washington State, is facing funding challenges. Dr. Aramaki’s donation to Bellevue Schools Foundation is an incredible act of philanthropy,” said BSF Executive Director Juliet Buder. “Our entire organization is inspired and motivated by Dr. Aramaki’s leadership and commitment to providing students with the academic opportunities they deserve. We hope others will be motivated by his personal investment and consider a donation to BSF at this pivotal moment. School districts across the state and country are faced with inadequate budgets to provide for student needs. Collective contributions such as Dr. Aramaki’s allow the Foundation to step up and into this funding gap.”
While Washington State provides Bellevue School District with a budget for basic education, Bellevue Schools Foundation steps in to provide critical funding for preschool tuition, computer science curriculum in elementary schools, music, mental health screenings, educator training, field trip, and much more. This year, the Foundation has committed to providing $887,000 in funding to students and educators—a step towards addressing the $10M budget gap in Bellevue School District this year.
Established in 1979, The Bellevue Schools Foundation, (BSF) is the first foundation dedicated to supporting public K-12 initiatives in Washington State. Through the collective support of individual donors and corporate partners, BSF promotes and funds the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Bellevue’s 28 public schools. Since its inception in 1979, BSF has committed over $25 million to fund critical initiatives such as computer science, preschool, and teacher training. Join Dr. Aramaki with an investment in Bellevue’s public schools by contacting Michael Smith (Michael@bsfdn.org) or through their BFF with BSF campaign.
The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."
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