The Education Foundation of Indian River County hosted an inaugural Donor Reception at Quail Valley at the Pointe last Tuesday evening to express gratitude to its donors, share future plans and present its first annual report.

Cathy Filusch, board president, thanked supporters for their help in continuing the nonprofit’s mission of funding the types of meaningful school programs and services that foster greater opportunities for students from Pre-K through grade 12 to achieve academic success.

For more than 25 years, its programs have helped students develop academically, socially and emotionally. At the same time, the Education Foundation has provided professional development opportunities to teachers and mentors.

“We decided to have our first ever thank-you donor party and reception because without you, we would not be able to fund the amazing administration, teachers and students in this district, as well as our privates and other students, such as homeschool and charters,” said Filusch.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres while mingling with representatives from area schools, all of which have benefited from Education Foundation program and grant support.

A highlight of the annual report is the announcement about the formation of the Education Foundation of Indian River County Endowment Fund, established to help meet the growing educational needs of the community. The Frances and Ronald Jaffe Foundation and an anonymous donor are the first to have pledged to support the new endowment.

“Thank you for being partners with us in this journey to educate the children in our community,” said SDIRC Superintendent Mark Rendell. “We have a daunting task to provide the best education possible for every single student in our community. We can’t do that without your help.”

Rendell noted that the school district’s relationship with the Education Foundation is a special one.

“The thing that I love the most about this partnership with the Education Foundation is you ask how you can help,” said Rendell. “‘What are you working on?’ ‘What do you need help with’ and ‘How can we be that partner that can help?’”

The Education Foundation has helped enrich students and educators through programs such as: Speak Up, the R.E.A.L. Lab at Wabasso School, Step into Kindergarten, Algebra Counts 2, the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair, the Sneaker Exchange, Vision for Reading, and High-Impact Innovation grants.

For more information, visit edfoundationirc.org.