Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation launches second One Million Reasons Campaign, with goal of $1 million for student programs

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation will embark on a second attempt to raise $1 million in the 2011 One Million Reasons Campaign to benefit Ann Arbor students.

This is the second year the foundation is trying to raise $1 million to help fund programs that could be affected by budget cuts. Wendy Correll, executive director of the foundation, said fundraisers are looking forward to another successful campaign.

“The inaugural 2010 campaign was a success, with several hundred supporters donating $335,000,” she said in a statement. “This represents more than the educational foundation has ever raised in any annual period.”

The education foundation is an independent community-based nonprofit that helps Ann Arbor Public Schools students by providing support for educational opportunities that cannot be funded through the district's budget.

The district could be in line to take some major hits to the pocketbook during the next few months. Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed budget would also cost the district about $7.7 million, in addition to about $3.8 million in increased retirement costs.

This year’s fundraising campaign is already under way. At the launch of the campaign last week, Janet Fritsch, president of the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop Board of Directors, made the first donation to the 2011 campaign, giving $10,000.

At the same event, the Dykema law firm of Ann Arbor pledged $3,000, and individual donors pledged $8,000.

All proceeds from the 2011 One Million Reasons Campaign will be directed to Ann Arbor schools’ 2011-12 academic year.

The foundation’s board anticipates holding the campaign annually to support innovative programs in public schools, which mirrors efforts around the country, Correll said.

“Ann Arbor is not alone in experiencing significant reductions in funding to K-12 schools,” Correll said. “Education foundations are active locally and across the country.”

Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Tags: Ann Arbor Public Schools