Rhode Island Foundation matches with another $25,000

Local citizens looking to support innovative projects in the South Kingstown schools have met a challenge from The Rhode Island Foundation: raise $25,000 to get another $25,000.

The mission of the new South Kingstown Education Foundation, which was only unveiled at the beginning of the last school year, is to “support education projects and activities that inspire student excellence and strengthen the relationship between the public schools and the community in the town of South Kingstown,” stated Sue Velicer, SKEF president.

Velicer said the 10-member board has been “hard-working, generous, and determined to succeed in meeting the $25,000 challenge offered by the Foundation. Each board member personally donated at least $250, she added. The Rhode Island Foundation will manage the resulting permanent endowment.

Velicer gave special credit to R. D. Denelle and Company, Inc., Realtors, the first corporate sponsor and to Dr. Janice Prochaska, the first major individual donor with a $5,000 donation. Sue and Ken Kermes followed with another $5,000 donation. Chris Little and Wakefield Elementary School Principal Michelle Conley added a significant donation of $2,500.

Starting with an historic homes tour of Kingston last October, local businesses and individuals have rallied in their support of the new educational endowment, said Velicer, including in-kind donations.   

The ‘tour’ was followed by a Granite Theatre night in Westerly, a recognition social, and a bridge-builder advertisement campaign.

Deb Pendola, principal of Peace Dale, and Marie Fonseca co-hosted the Granite Theatre night in March. “It was a near sell-out and everybody from the schools and greater community were in attendance. It was great fun,” said Velicer.

In April, Dr. Fran Alexakos opened her home as the site of the recognition social to honor Dr. Janice Prochaska and the Kermes.  Food and flowers were donated by local merchants.  Photographer Daniel G. Dunn created the awards based on the heritage of philanthropy in South Kingstown.  Dunn photographed the famous Daniel Chester French’s Weavers in front of the Peace Dale Library.

“By May, the board was increasingly anxious to meet the $25,000 matching challenge.  It was almost there,” laughed Velicer.

Finally, the board voted to sell sponsorships ($500 each) in a half-page advertisement to be published during the week of high school graduation.  A minimum of 14 sponsors were needed, but the board sold 17 spots and received additional donations from community members.

“Though we’ve met the Foundation’s match, we’ll continue active fundraising so we can make a meaningful difference with the grants,” said Velicer.

Velicer said the new group has already received several applications for funding. “We’ll be reviewing them this summer with an eye toward announcing our first grants at the beginning of the school year. We should have at least $1,500 available to distribute.”

The SKEF is led by 10 board members, which Velicer hopes will increase to the maximum of 18 members, as permitted by its charter. “All board members are leaders in the community with various backgrounds, but we are very strong in having expertise on education issues,” said Velicer. “For example, Superintendent Hicks is an ex-officio member and instrumental in supporting this initiative.

Other members of the Board include former South Kingstown Superintendent Arthur Campbell, president of the RI School Superintendents Association and interim Lincoln School superintendent, who serves as recording secretary of SKEF. 

SKEF’s first president, Sue Velicer, was also the first president of and a major fundraiser for South Kingstown CARES, a local nonprofit that focuses on mentoring and volunteering in the South Kingstown schools. “I was really touched and grateful that every board member of CARES contributed to this new effort,” Velicer said. An educator with more than 20 years of experience in assessment, Velicer was also a founding member of the South Kingstown District PTO.

Gail Dromgoole, owner of Brushstrokes, serves as vice president and assistant treasurer. Dr. Henry Schwarzbach, URI accountant professor, serves as treasurer.

Other members include Marie Fonseca, a parent and president of West Kingston Elementary School; Attorney Chris Little and prior South Kingstown Town Council and School Committee member; Dr. William D. Metz, former URI History Professor and distinguished civic leader; Dr. Jayne Richmond, Dean of URI’s University College and Special Academic Services,; and real estate agent and civic leader John Vincze.

“While raising the first $50,000 was a major milestone, we know we’re only at the beginning of our adventure,” concluded Velicer.

She invited any interested individuals to attend the South Kingstown Education Fund’s first board meeting of the new school year on Tuesday, September 21, 7:30 am in the conference room at the Hazard building, 153 School Street.