The smiles on the faces of students are enough for Marica Borovich-Law to know they’re on the right track.
Borovich-Law is executive director of the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation, which launched last spring with the goal of addressing needs at local schools that provincial government funding doesn’t cover.
The foundation handed out its first three grants last month at École Okotoks Junior High School, École Senator Riley Middle School and École Secondaire Highwood High School.
“When we went to give the cheques out to those kids, it was phenomenal. They are so engaged and so enamored by what they're doing and they’re so appreciative of the support,” she said.
“By providing this funding, it allows students to take their interests, their skills, their imagination and creativity and see where it can take them. That’s what this foundation wants to do.”
Money raised at a golf tournament last summer, the foundation’s first fundraiser, provided grants to purchase theatre lighting, gardening supplies and woodshop equipment at the three schools.
Borovich-Law is hopeful the fledgling foundation, which operates at arms-length from the Foothills School Division, will continue to grow and be able to provide funding to even more worthwhile initiatives in the years to come.
To that end, the organization is holding its second fundraiser, The Heart of Education Gala, next month at The Ranch House, an event that will be highlighted by a 60-minute acoustic set by country star George Canyon.
“You're going to hear his fantastic voice and you’re going to be up close and personal,” said Borovich-Law of the Feb. 7 gala.
The evening will also include a prime rib dinner, exclusive auction items and will see renowned Western artist Renee Gould create a painting to be auctioned off.
The foundation will be holding another golf tournament at Highwood in High River, but is moving it earlier in the season to June 14.
Borovich-Law said they’re on the lookout for new board members and volunteers, and are always open to those with ideas and suggestions.
She said the foundation would love to create a STEM program, so it’s looking for an energy company to provide funding.
Borovich-Law said offering financial support to school initiatives gives students a chance to follow a path that might not otherwise be available to them.
“When you give those opportunities for innovation, for creativity, that may engage a student even more and allow them to see what can happen, what’s available to them,” she said.
For more information on the foundation or to purchase tickets for the gala, visit foothillsfriends.ca.
