Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Foundation - Sumner, WA

Chapter Since:  January 22, 2004

Students Supported:  Schools in the Sumner Schools District, including Sumner High School and Bonney Lake High School

Foundation Story:

The Foundation was created in 2000 by community leaders wanting to help ensure the success of students in the Sumner and Bonney Lake communities. Its mission reads:

“The foundation is business, neighbors, teachers, and the community enhancing scholarships, educational enrichment and innovation for the future of our youth.”

The Foundation’s mission and subsequent goals focus on giving School District students the tools to succeed in our school system and beyond. Scholarships provide support for students to continue their education at four-year colleges, trade schools, community college, or other specialized programs. The Foundation collaborates with other local scholarship programs to optimize the support to the student beneficiaries. The Foundation partners with the national organization Dollars For Scholars to leverage State and university scholarship funds.

The Foundation’s scholarships include:

o          Luke Voiles Memorial Scholarship – Given to varsity soccer players with outstanding academic records

o          Eileen Leighton Beaulieu Scholarship – Given to students pursuing careers which benefit children

o          Kathryn Dalton Teacher Scholarship – Given to a future teacher

o          Bob Dalton Scholarship – Given to a future musician or journalist

o          Sunset Chev Automotive Scholarship – Given to an automotive technician student

o          Dr. Joe Eben Corliss Scholarship – Given to a future business entrepreneur

o          Foundation Arts and Music Scholarship – Given to an outstanding artist

o          Community Academic Scholarships – Multiple scholarships are given to students with academic success and demonstrated potential to succeed in a 4-year program

o          Community Vocation Scholarships – Multiple scholarships are given to students showing high potential for success in a vocational program.

Since inception, the Foundation has awarded over 240 scholarships totaling over $250,000. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $10,000.

Enrichment of the classroom experience is the other significant part of the Foundation’s purpose. The Foundation leadership understands the importance of helping students succeed in school and ensuring the highest quality classroom experiences. Support for these programs is not always available from the School District ’s regular funding sources. The Foundation maintains an Arts Fund which provides grants to classroom teachers to support innovative arts experiences.  Prior Arts Funds grants have provided specialty musical instruments, supported a community arts walk, and supported an arts-based benefit for tsunami victims. A new Science Fund supports science programs. In its first year it helped purchase elementary school science textbooks that teach basic science to early readers. The Foundation also supports the Sumner Family Center , helping to ensure school students have the food and supplies they need to concentrate on learning.

Legally established as a charity under the laws of the State of Washington , the Foundation is an approved tax-exempt organization according to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is a volunteer organization with leadership from the community.

The Foundation’s resource development program is based on on-going personal solicitations by the board of directors. The Foundation also hosts an event each September at the Windmill Gardens, called Flowers and the Foundation. It is co-sponsored by the Old Cannery Furniture, Windmill Garden , and Dennison International Motorsports.

Assistance is appreciated and welcomed.

Application deadlines
Most scholarships are awarded based on the student’s completed Community Scholarship Application, which is available in the fall in the high school’s guidance office. Some applications are based on nominations from the school’s faculty.  

Our Mission is to provide needed and valued services that promote our sense of community.

We serve with Respect and Integrity

We are Responsive and Accountable

We are Collaborative and Professional

We are Innovative and Visionary

You may contact the Foundation at:

John Doan, Executive Director
Phone: (253) 299-5501
E-mail: john_doan@sumner.wednet.edu
1202 Wood Avenue
Sumner, WA 98390