2015 Education Foundation Annual Dinner

The Monday before Thanksgiving was a fitting time for holding this year’s event. The theme of the evening was “A Legacy of Giving”, with Governor Mike Huckabee as our speaker. The event was held in the Ambassador Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel with fifty tables being sponsored by parents, grandparents and friends of ACS.

This event was a time to celebrate the progress made on the “Firm Foundations Campaign”, an initiative started about two years ago with a 4 million dollar goal — $3 million for the endowment fund and $1 million for capital expenditures for the school (like outdoor education, new curriculum materials, professional staff development, security systems, and routine property repairs). We celebrated the progress of reaching $3.7 million received so far in pledges and gifts.

We also gave thanks for the continued generous support of the school by the foundation. The foundation president, Scott VanderLeek, presented a symbolic check was given to school board president, Jim Weaver. The check represents this year’s gift to the school in the amount of $372, 825! This gift helps the school meet its need of $600,000 in donation income this fiscal year (learn more about the Annual Fund Drive).

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of our “Distinguished Service Award” to three deserving individuals – Susan Stafford, Jane Zwiers and Jeff Zylstra. These three have served the foundation for over two years as co-chairs of the campaign. Their tireless efforts have helped us achieve the results we have so far. Their work has included writing notes and letters, contacting friends and donors to the foundation, attending countless meetings and leading the efforts of our fine cabinet members. We thank them for their dedicated service!

Another highlight of the event was the presentation by Mike Huckabee. His talk was titled, “There’s No Living Without Giving”. He provided interesting life-stories about how, by serving and giving to others, in time and in resources, his life has been more enjoyable. He challenged all of us to give of ourselves.

It was a great evening of community-building, good fellowship, fine food and great company. Plans are underway for next fall’s event. We’ll keep you informed about that.

Special Guest: Mike Huckabee

We’re honored to have Mike Huckabee as our guest speaker this year. Mr. Huckabee was the 44th Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, becoming one of the longest serving governors in that state’s history. Learn more about Mr. Huckabee .

We invite you to place this event on your calendar, invite friends and family, and consider purchasing a table for what we are confident will be an informational and inspiring event.

Now accepting reservations to attend this year's Education Foundation Dinner.

Sponsorship Opportunities

About the Ada Christian School Education Foundation

The Foundation was incorporated in 1989 for the purpose of helping to ensure the future of Christian education at Ada Christian School. From its beginning the Foundation has been committed to building an investment fund that will help keep the cost of Christian education affordable and provide tuition assistance for deserving families. The years of dedicated effort and generous giving are now paying a rich dividend that is a great blessing to the more than 300 families at Ada Christian School. Much has been accomplished but the work is not done. Thank you very much for your active participation and strong support.