An exciting new way to support ‘Foundation for Success’
during COVID-19

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Guiding our students toward college/university and career success is as vital during the pandemic as it is in any other year.  That’s why our 14th annual “Foundation for Success” luncheon, although not an in-person gathering in 2020, is an opportunity for you to help us continuing doing exactly that.

From now until Nov. 5 (the date for what we’ve named our “No Lunch Luncheon”), we are inviting for our partners to support us in several ways: 

  • Sponsorships at a range of financial levels.

  • Financial donations in any amount and in-kind gifts

More about the sponsorship levels and ways to give online are available at:

Our goal is to raise at least $450,000 through Foundation for Success this year.  That’s ambitious for an event that has previously been held live and attracted hundreds of attendees and dozens of sponsors, but we are counting on the partners who consistently walk alongside our students, their families and the KidWorks staff.

All funds raised will directly benefit hundreds of deserving KidWorks students in grades preschool through high school with academic enrichment, leadership and personal development programs as they continue on their journey toward college/university and career success.

Giving this year is especially encouraged since the pandemic has forced KidWorks to cancel three of our main in-person fundraising events.  That’s created a serious shortfall in funds that has forced us to close one satellite center and reduce staffing levels.  Your support is needed now more than ever so that we can continue to serve over 500 students at the remaining three centers.

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One or more wage earners in over half the families we serve have lost one or more jobs due to the pandemic.  

“Our students are more adversely impacted by COVID-19 as each day passes,” says Lisa Gels, KidWorks’ Associate Director of Development.  “The educational gap becomes more apparent.  For those who are already underserved, virtual learning is more and more difficult and the reality is that KidWorks’ students are at risk of falling further behind.  We are committed to making sure that doesn’t happen.”

Adds Lisa, “KidWorks is where students and families are turning  for help, connection, trusted relationship and support.   It’s now costing us more per student to run programs, be it virtual or in person, due to the necessary safety protocols and measures.  That’s why we are so in need of support now.”

 Lisa thanked the Foundation for Success event committee, led by Adrian Montero, a Senior Vice President at US Bank, who also serves as KidWorks’ Board Chair.  The KidWorks’  Board of Directors and our Fund Development Committee are also assisting with outreach for Foundation for Success.

 The latest listing of sponsors, to whom we express our deep gratitude, is at this link:

 “Our plans are to return to the in-person Foundation for Success event on Nov. 4, 2021, celebrating the 15th anniversary of our longest-running major event,” Lisa says. 

To secure your 2020 Foundation for Success sponsorship or for the latest event information, please visit the online link listed earlier in this story or contact Lisa Gels at lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org or (714) 834-9400 x126.