What is the Kyrene Foundation and what does it do?
The mission of the Kyrene Foundation
The Kyrene Schools Community Foundation (KSCF) advances the mission and vision of the Kyrene School District. Additionally, the Kyrene school district, one of the top-rated school districts in Arizona. Also, this district includes parts of Phoenix (Ahwatukee), Tempe, and Chandler. Click here for a map of the Kyrene School District
The Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to learning so that all students can excel in school. Additionally, the Foundation serves families with students in the Kyrene School District in Maricopa County, Arizona. Also, the Kyrene school district includes parts of Phoenix (Ahwatukee), Chandler, and Tempe.
People are often surprised that there are homeless families (and therefore children) in the Kyrene School District. Also, there is a further surprise when people learn children in our communities may be food deficient. This is the official term for children not having enough food. While the Kyrene school district is often considered to be in an affluent area. However, there is a broad spectrum of families with needs.
Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC)
One of the largest initiatives of the Foundation is the Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC). This is located at Kyrene Los Niños Elementary school. The KFRC is located at 1330 Dava Dr, Tempe, Az 85283. Also, any family with children in the Kyrene school district in need of help may visit the Kyrene Family Resource Center. And, there is no income requirements or proof of need required.
The KFRC provides services for families such as food, gently used clothing, hygiene items, and new school supplies. The current hours for the KFRC are: (hours may vary) They phone number is be reached at 480-541-4773. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, please call the KFRC for current hours and donations being accepted.
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All resources distributed at the Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC). These items are donated by the community. The community needs increase every year. Fortunately, giving also increases. The Kyrene Foundation generates funds through fundraisers, events, and community donations.
Families in need meet with a counselor at the KFRC. They can receive food, clothes, and hygiene items monthly. Additionally, many organizations support the KFRC by providing drives to collect various donations. Also, many schools, churches, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and business throughout the east valley direct their generosity towards the foundation.
The Kyrene Foundation provides direct support to Kyrene families in need through the following programs:
The annual Taste of Kyrene (as of 2019 called A Night for Kyrene) raise funds through an event featuring a gala evening at Arizona Grand hotel. Tickets purchased provide entry to a great dinner. Attendees stroll through the Arizona Grand hotel and can buy tickets for the Opportunity Drawing, a wine pull, and may also bid on many silent auction baskets. These baskets are donated by the Kyrene elementary and middle school PTOs, Kyrene Foundation board members, and various vendors. While mingling with friends at the beautiful Ahwatukee Foothills Country Club attendees enjoy the event and know they are supporting the Kyrene Foundation and in turn the families in the Kyrene School District.
2019 Opportunity Drawing
This annual event sells tickets for a trip to either Disney World or Sea World. The tickets are sold on the Kyrene Foundation website and through the PTOs. Additionally, the 2019 winner was drawn at an event held at Kyrene de las Manitas on February 22, 2019.
For several months leading up to the drawing, the 25 Kyrene PTOs sell tickets for a great Disney or Sea World vacation. Tickets are sold for $10, 00, with $5.00 donated to the PTO and $5.00 to the Kyrene Foundation.
Free Shred-A-Thon
For several years, Shirley Coomer & Gregory Stainton of Keller Williams Realty have sponsored a Free Shred-A-Thon at Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary school in April and October. The event is free to the community. The Foundation asks for one nonperishable food item for each box or bag brought for shredding. The Kyrene Family Resource Center is given the food collected. The food requests are for healthy snacks, canned meat, pasta, pasta sauce, dried and canned beans, and canned fruit and vegetables.
The Annual Golf Classic
The Annual Golf Classic held each spring. Golfers enjoy a morning of great golf. For 2019 the event was held at the Ahwatukee Foothills Country Club). Golfers take part in raffle prizes and a great lunch. All proceeds go to the Kyrene Foundation.
Stuff the Bus
The Stuff the Bus event collects backpacks and school supplies for students to start the year will the right supplies. Additionally, all students need the right school just like other students in their class.
One of the goals of the Kyrene Foundation is to remove barriers to learning. When children come to class without the right supplies, they may get ridiculed by other students. They may find it difficult to complete assignments without the right supplies. Many organizations work to make sure Kyrene students have backpacks and school supplies.
Thanksgiving food
In November, the Foundation donates a Thanksgiving turkey, potatoes, rolls and a pie for families in need. We want to make sure all families can experience a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The Foundation typically serves 250 to 300 families at this event.
Winter Wonderland
The holidays can be a stressful time for any family. However, it is especially so for those families struggling to meet their family’s basic needs. The Winter Wonderland event provides an opportunity for families to select 2 new items for each child in the family. Also, a “personal shopper” escorts each shopper. They wander through a large room filled with new toys, books, sporting equipment, books, games, puzzles, etc. Also, recipients can send their items to be gift wrapped. Parents enjoy beverages and cookies while their items are wrapped. Also, Parents or other caregivers are given raffle tickets for periodic drawings. The drawings typically include new bicycles and turkeys throughout the day,
The Kyrene Foundation also provides many programs and events in support of the teachers in the Kyrene School District with such programs as;
Teacher Mini-Grants
– Kyrene teachers all invited to send a request for up to $500 for a classroom specific project. And these projects enhance the students’ educational experience. Additionally, these are granted twice a year.
Principle Mini-Grants
– Principles can give proposals for projects, up to $5000. Also, these programs typically support the entire elementary or middle school.
In 2015, the Foundation implemented a Principle mini-grant for up to $5000. These grants are for proposals to enhance the educational experience for all students in their schools.
The Kyrene Foundation continues to look for new opportunities to serve the Kyrene School community. This organization works in partnership with the Kyrene School District to find needs within the community. Also, the Foundation looks for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the Kyrene students.
