At left and pictured from right to left: Rick Niles, John Bribiescas and Ann Hurd.
The Challenge:
All generations dream of passing a better, more fulfilling world on to their children. But today, that dream is being challenged in California by educational funding cutbacks that threaten all co-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music, and arts.
What does Schools Plus do?
John Bribiescas: Schools Plus is a nonprofit organization that raises money for sports, music and art programs in Santa Rosa’s public secondary schools. We have an operating board and an endowment committee that work in concert. To date we have raised well over $3 million. We are all volunteers. There are no paid positions.
Why do you work so hard for Schools Plus?
John Bribiescas: My dedication to the Schools Plus mission is motivated by my gratitude for having the great experience of growing up in Santa Rosa during the 1950’s and 1960’s. We were fortunate as a town to have responsible and giving people who worked hard to make sure Santa Rosa was the best place to raise families and do business. I was affected and influenced by these generous citizens. In the 1980’s it became my generation’s “watch” and we took up the challenge. Diane Keegan, the First lady of Schools Plus, and I pushed each other to make Schools Plus a viable organization. We were helped and supported by leaders in our community, especially the first Schools Plus Boards. The simple answer is our kids are important. A community that takes care of its kids is a place most people want to live in or do business.
Who volunteers to help Schools Plus?
John Bribiescas: The volunteers are the finest people you could ever meet. They are business professionals, educators, and most importantly, parents. They all have a keen understanding of the postulate, by enriching others we are enriched.
How do the schools react when you provide them with funds? Do you have a favorite memory of that?
John Bribiescas: All of the schools are most appreciative. One of the greatest rewards we receive is delivering the checks to the schools. We share in this joyous “task”. Many of the schools put on a ceremony to receive their checks. Everyone is happy — kids sing and lead cheers, it’s like an ocean of smiles. This past winter, the staff at Ridgway High brought out team pictures to show me the soccer uniforms and equipment bought with our funds. I wish the whole town could share such moments — seeing kids happy and proud because they can wear their school’s colors.
Schools Plus By The Numbers
- To date, the Schools Plus fundraising efforts have generated over $3 Million!
- The total allocated annually: $100,000
- Senior high schools each received $12,500
- Middle schools and Ridgway High School each received $6,250
Read in print format. (PDF)
Community Champions is produced by the Marketing Department and the Celebrate Community Partners and does not involve The Press Democrat reporting staff.
Community Champion: John Bribiescas
At left and pictured from right to left: Rick Niles, John Bribiescas and Ann Hurd.
The Challenge:
All generations dream of passing a better, more fulfilling world on to their children. But today, that dream is being challenged in California by educational funding cutbacks that threaten all co-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music, and arts.
What does Schools Plus do?
John Bribiescas: Schools Plus is a nonprofit organization that raises money for sports, music and art programs in Santa Rosa’s public secondary schools. We have an operating board and an endowment committee that work in concert. To date we have raised well over $3 million. We are all volunteers. There are no paid positions.
Why do you work so hard for Schools Plus?
John Bribiescas: My dedication to the Schools Plus mission is motivated by my gratitude for having the great experience of growing up in Santa Rosa during the 1950’s and 1960’s. We were fortunate as a town to have responsible and giving people who worked hard to make sure Santa Rosa was the best place to raise families and do business. I was affected and influenced by these generous citizens. In the 1980’s it became my generation’s “watch” and we took up the challenge. Diane Keegan, the First lady of Schools Plus, and I pushed each other to make Schools Plus a viable organization. We were helped and supported by leaders in our community, especially the first Schools Plus Boards. The simple answer is our kids are important. A community that takes care of its kids is a place most people want to live in or do business.
Who volunteers to help Schools Plus?
John Bribiescas: The volunteers are the finest people you could ever meet. They are business professionals, educators, and most importantly, parents. They all have a keen understanding of the postulate, by enriching others we are enriched.
How do the schools react when you provide them with funds? Do you have a favorite memory of that?
John Bribiescas: All of the schools are most appreciative. One of the greatest rewards we receive is delivering the checks to the schools. We share in this joyous “task”. Many of the schools put on a ceremony to receive their checks. Everyone is happy — kids sing and lead cheers, it’s like an ocean of smiles. This past winter, the staff at Ridgway High brought out team pictures to show me the soccer uniforms and equipment bought with our funds. I wish the whole town could share such moments — seeing kids happy and proud because they can wear their school’s colors.
Schools Plus By The Numbers
Read in print format. (PDF)
Community Champions is produced by the Marketing Department and the Celebrate Community Partners and does not involve The Press Democrat reporting staff.