The Fridley Schools Foundation raised more than $28,000 at its annual Black & Gold Gala at Jax Cafe on Thursday, January 30. The event was emceed by Stephen Keeler, Director of Community Education. Attendees were able to help raise money for the foundation through various avenues, such as a silent auction, a Plinko board game, a heads/tails game, and Fund a Need, which gives attendees the opportunity to directly pledge money to the organization.
A highlight of the evening was honoring this year’s Golden Apple winner, Renee Van Gorp. The award recognizes the generous support to the foundation by an individual or organization.
“Renee’s time with Fridley Public Schools spans many years and many roles. From her time as a paraeducator to her “retirement’ in 2016, and again in 2024, Renee has been a special force in Fridley. She has been a paraeducator, teacher, counselor, coach, activities director, and principal,” recounted Karin Beckstrand, Preschool PYP Coordinator and President of the Fridley Schools Foundation. “Renee’s reach and impact has been felt beyond the brick and mortar walls of any building she has been a part of. She has been a mentor, a role model, a person who isn’t afraid to hold others accountable, especially when it is in regard to what is best for students, and someone who always has the best interests of Fridley in the forefront of all she does.”
After Beckstrand read reflections on Van Gorp’s impact on the Fridley community, the audience erupted in applause and gave her a standing ovation as she accepted this prestigious honor.
“Fridley has done so much for me and has given me so many opportunities and experiences with people. We are a small district but we are strong. We have overcome over the years many hardships.We’ve had great times. We’ve had fun. We worked hard to do the best we could for our students and our families and I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of this Fridley family,” Van Gorp reflected. “You will all be that to me for the rest of my life. So with that I say thank you and as always I say, Go Tigers!”
The money raised at the gala will fund foundation and district initiatives such as scholarships for graduating seniors and innovation grants for staff to receive new supplies and implement new programs.
If you would like to donate to the Fridley Schools Foundation, please visit https://www.fridleyschools.org/about-us/fridley-schools-foundation/donate