Salem Keizer Education Foundation will host their Back to School Luncheon at The Salem Convention Center on September 13, 2011. We are so inspired by SKEF and their commitment to enhance the quality of education in our community that we are spotlighting them in this week's post. Salem Keizer Education Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization and a leading education foundation in the state of Oregon. SKEF enriches the quality of education in local public by training other education foundations on best-practices and organizational strategy. They also work to provide resources for creative and innovative programs and materials, education and mobilize the community and sustain collaborative partnerships that supports its goals. To learn more visit them at skeducationfoundation.org. Here is a sampling of some of their outstanding events: Believe & Achieve Back to School Luncheon: September 13, 2011 at noon at the Salem Convention Center. Guests will be inspired by school children and how the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation provides opportunities for each of them to be successful. The Awesome 3000: Held annually, this is one of the largest, timed, youth-only runs in the nation and a positive and challenging experience for all. The Crystal Apple Awards: These awards recognize excellence in education by honoring those making a significant impact in the lives of children. The list of past nominees includes teachers, counselors, instructional assistants, office managers and administrators, all the professionals who help make a difference in our students' lives. The event features a red carpet walk for nominees. Salem's First Wednesday: SKEF features a new student gallery exhibit each month at Where the Sidewalk Begins in downtown Salem. The District Spelling Bee: The official preliminary contest for the Oregon state competition. Held in the Spring each year, elementary, middle and high school students compete for cash prizes provided by Salem Kiwanis, ribbons and bragging rights to over 105 really hard words.
