About Friends of Benchley Foundation
The Benchley-Weinberger Foundation 501(c)3 hosts a variety of fundraisers to help make our school a better place. Our sponsors, families, and community are generous and enthusiastic in their support for our school, making these fundraisers both fun, and meaningful! We rely heavily on our volunteers to help organize and run these special events. With their help, we are able to make a positive difference for the school and the community.
Foundation meetings take place on the 1st Tuesday of every month in room 10, unless otherwise specified.
What does the Foundation do throughout the year?
Founded in 1993 by a group of BW grown-ups, the Foundation’s objective is to fund present and future programs or projects designed to benefit the children at Benchley-Weinberger.
Campus Pride & Community
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Campus Beautification – adding color and pride to our campus through vibrant murals and other projects that make the school a welcoming place.
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Muddy Pandas Program – outdoor learning and environmental education that gives all students a chance to connect with nature and grow new skills.
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Turf Maintenance – safe, green spaces for recess, PE, and community events.
Experiences for Every Student
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Buses & Experiences – every grade is guaranteed at least one Foundation-funded bus or on-campus experience each year, making it easier for all students to participate.
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PE & Play Equipment – fueling fun, movement, and teamwork every day.
Learning & Technology
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Student Technology & Learning Programs – engaging tools like Lexia, 1st in Math, Scholastic News, Words I Use, and Time for Kids that make learning exciting and fun.
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Library Book & Supply Fund – keeping our library stocked with fresh books and materials that inspire readers.
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Computer & Media Lab Stipend – supplemental funding to keep creative digital resources growing.
Support for Students & Staff
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Teacher Appreciation – celebrating and supporting our incredible educators.
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Health Supplies for the Nurse’s Office – ensuring our health office has the resources to care for students.
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Family Crisis Fund – lending a hand when school families need it most.
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Noon Duty Support – helping provide extra supervision to keep kids safe during the school day.
Fundraisers
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Foundation plans and hosts our two largest fundraisers of the year - the Gala & Auction and our Fun Run.
Foundation Board 26/27
The Benchley-Weinberger Foundation is composed of a 11-23 person Board of Directors — with several positions reserved for elected officers. We welcome and encourage attendance at our monthly board meetings, which typically take place on the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. both in person and on Zoom. We appreciate and need as many volunteers as we can get to help us run our school fundraising events.
President
Adrienne Magcalas
Treasurer
Matt Veverka
Vice President
Michelé Buland
Parliamentarian
Vacant
Secretary
Catherine Eger
Teacher Liason
Melissa Brugh
Voting Members
Alina Strauss
Ally McGrory Reyes
Amanda Erickson
Corrine Doolittle
Cynthia Parson
Gina Erdahl
Ginny Veverka
Jen Scott
Kathy Collins
La Kia Browne
Leah Bloom
Lindsey Wisherd
Renee Kacsur
Taryn Gross
Tina Devine