On Saturday, April 20, the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation’s annual fundraising party, HURRAH!, filled Wege Plaza overlooking Reeds Lake with food, fun, friends, music, drinks and more. 

More than 500 people attended the sold-out event. Local restaurants provided food, drinks, and treats. DJ Sanjay–and a special appearance by members of the high school marching band–provided the entertainment. Volunteers provided the stunning birthday party decorations. And sponsors made everything possible. 

This community-wide event is always a highlight on the East Grand Rapids social calendar. This year’s party was a special one. Throughout the school year, the Foundation, which was founded in 1983, has been celebrating 40 years of supporting our schools. This year’s HURRAH! was a celebration of the Foundation’s birthday and its mission of enriching the experience of all students by investing in programs and educational enhancements that support the whole child.

Thanks to its generous donors, this school year the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation was prepared to contribute approximately $650,000 to our schools. In its spring and fall grant cycles, the Foundation funded more than 50 classroom enhancement grants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, setting all-time records. 

“We feel very fortunate to live in a community that supports public education so generously and enthusiastically,” says EGRSF Executive Director Amy Stuursma. “HURRAH! was an incredible night of celebrating our partnership with our schools and everything we’re able to provide for our students.”