2024 mindshare gala

at houseman field
May 30 - 6:00pm

A heartfelt thank you from our team, board of directors, and GRPS for all those who came out for our 2024 annual Mindshare Gala to help play a vital role in inspiring our students and celebrating our dedicated teachers.

You help us make a difference everyday by supporting our work that provides resources to enrich educational experiences and removes barriers so every student learns, develops, and thrives.

Our vision is that all GRPS students are inspired and supported to pursue their dreams and shape their community’s future.

Teacher of The Year Award Winners 2024

Dominic Biolchini and Nicole Shilton

Academic Student Story: Visual Arts

Past Community Partners of the Year

Rockford Construction
Lake Michigan Credit Union
About the Foundation
The GRPS Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers and raise critical funds for key programs, projects, and resources so that every student learns, develops, and thrives. The Foundation supports the largest public school in West Michigan, and the 8th largest school district in Michigan. There are over 14,000 students who attend public school in Grand Rapids, and we hope that our work inspires them for future success. 
Funds Raised Support 

GRPS Programs for Sports, Art, Music, and Experiential Learning: GRPS offers a variety of programs to enrich students’ educational experience beyond traditional academics. These programs include sports teams for athletics, art classes or clubs for creative expression, music programs for musical education, and experiential learning opportunities that provide hands-on, real-world experiences to complement classroom learning.

Resource Support for Students: The Foundation provides additional resources to support students. This support might include providing warm gear for students in need during colder months, school supplies to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed academically, and formal dresses to enable students to participate in formal events like dances or ceremonies.

Teacher Innovation Fund: The Teacher Innovation Fund is a program that provides mini grants to teachers. These grants enable teachers to implement innovative teaching methods, develop new educational materials, or create unique learning experiences for their students. This fund aims to support teachers in bringing their creative ideas to life in the classroom.

Teresa Weatherall Neal Principals Fund: The fund is designed to support GRPS principals in addressing any barriers that students may face in their educational journey. This support could include funding for resources, initiatives, or programs that aim to ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity to succeed in school.

Overall, these programs and initiatives demonstrate a commitment to providing a well-rounded education for students in the GRPS system, addressing both their academic and non-academic needs to support their overall growth and success. 

Mindshare Committee

Emily Cantor
Bob Chapla
Christopher Dean
Kellie Dean

Brendan Geary
Kristian Grant
Jonathan Harper
Becky Knack

Senita Lenear
Maggie Malone
India Manns
Brianne Pitchford

Alexis Reame
Monica Steimle App
Zachary Verhulst

Executive Board

Brendan Geary
Amy Turner Thole

Board of Directors

Misti Stanton
Monica Steimle App

Gretchen Mousel
Dr. Peter Knoester

Anne Marie Carson
Greg Rios
Max Gibbs
Raynard Ross
Bridget Cheney
Joe DiBenedetto

Mike Huff
Sommar Boese
Javier Cervantes
Charissa C. Huang
Dr. Leadriane Roby
Paul Lee

Tim Duflo 
Emily Cantor
Alexis Reame
Matt Marlow
Tony Baker, Pd.D. 
Ruth Posthumus

Our Mission: Cultivating community resources to enrich educational
experiences and remove barriers so every student learns, develops, and thrives.

Thank You to our 2024 Sponsors!

SUCCEEDING:
GROWING:
INSPIRING:

Ruth Posthumus & Marlin Feyen

Norman and Marilyn Leven