First-class fundraiser
GUESTS AT AN IPSF SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE GALA
By Irvine City News staff
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, a vital nonprofit in the city dedicated to enriching the education of Irvine students in public schools. IPSF’s annual fundraising event is the Spirit of Excellence Gala, which kicks off the anniversary celebration Oct. 22. It’s presented by FivePoint, honors Irvine citizens and companies and will be held at KIA Motors headquarters in Irvine.
The event itself promises to be a lot of fun, especially if the Spirit of Excellence in the Arts winner shows up: it’s Will Ferrell, a University High School grad who went on to some success as an actor and filmmaker, including as a student (of sorts) in “Old School.”
The rock band Thrice will be honored for excellence in music. The recently reunited members of the band are alums of Uni and Irvine High School. And the Spirit of Excellence Legacy Award will go to The Irvine Company for its dedication to education and support of IPSF.
Those attending, bidding and giving generously at the event may see their donation doubled: The city council agreed unanimously to budget $1.34 million in matching grants for funds raised for IPSF between Oct. 22 and Nov. 22, with funds dedicated to lowering class sizes. The council also will match funds raised for Tustin and Santa Ana unified school districts, for a combined total of $1.5 million.
The event itself promises to be a lot of fun, especially if the Spirit of Excellence in the Arts winner shows up: it’s Will Ferrell, a University High School grad who went on to some success as an actor and filmmaker, including as a student (of sorts) in “Old School.”
The rock band Thrice will be honored for excellence in music. The recently reunited members of the band are alums of Uni and Irvine High School. And the Spirit of Excellence Legacy Award will go to The Irvine Company for its dedication to education and support of IPSF.
Those attending, bidding and giving generously at the event may see their donation doubled: The city council agreed unanimously to budget $1.34 million in matching grants for funds raised for IPSF between Oct. 22 and Nov. 22, with funds dedicated to lowering class sizes. The council also will match funds raised for Tustin and Santa Ana unified school districts, for a combined total of $1.5 million.