Close to 200 community members and education supporters gathered at the Ceres Community Center on Friday, Oct. 11, to fundraise for the nonprofit CUSD Foundation. The 12th annual “Helping Students Today & Tomorrow” dinner and auction generated over $20,000 through ticket sales, event sponsorships, and auction proceeds. The money funds scholarships for graduating Ceres seniors and teacher mini-grants to provide unique learning opportunities for K-12 students.
The fundraiser, which marked the foundation’s 20th anniversary, also provided an opportunity to honor community members and organizations that have gone above and beyond to support Ceres students and schools.
Vickie Gonzales, owner of Kona Ice was recognized as the 2024 “Friend of Education” for her support of schools across the district.
“Vickie gives back financially and is a joy to work with,” wrote Don Pedro Elementary Principal Tonya Shuford in her nomination. Gonzales was also nominated by Patricia Kay Beaver Leadership Magnet school. Assistant Principal Nate Diamantine wrote, “We love Vickie! She is a support not only to PKB, but to all schools in CUSD.”
Lourli Cimadomo received the award for 2024 “Volunteer of the Year” award in recognition of her many hours supporting Argus High School Back-to-School Nights, open houses, proms, student work on the Smyrna skatepark mural, and many other activities over the past five years.
“Lourli’s help was instrumental in making our students feel valued as artists and a valuable part of the community,” noted retired Argus Principal Linda Stubbs. “I have never seen anyone dedicate as much time to a school as Lourli. She does it for the kids. Her dedication is second to none.”
The CUSD Foundation represents the combined vision of founding Ceres Unified School District Superintendent Dr. M. Robert Adkison, community member Dave McConnell, and former superintendent Dr. Walt L. Hanline, who sought to make post-secondary education financially possible for CUSD graduates and to supplement classroom resources for current students.
Over the past 20 years, donors have contributed over $1 million to the CUSD Foundation to benefit Ceres students. This includes $338,000 in mini-grants awarded to 791 teachers, impacting more than 18,000 students through unique programs and activities. An estimated 230 students have benefited from over $170,000 in scholarships, with several later returning to CUSD as teachers.
Donors recognized at the dinner for their milestone contributions were Stan Sinclear, Ceres Lions Club, Barbara Bianchi, Stan Rooker, Ceres Rotary Club, Lozano Smith Attorneys, D & B Wholesale Transport, Dave and Brenda McConnell, FF&J Architects, Newby Herrick, J.L. Bray & Son, Inc., Gallo Winery and Connie Gundlach.
For more information or to donate to the CUSD Foundation, contact Julie Lynn Martin-Borba at jumartin@ceres.k12.ca.us.
