Make an Enduring Gift to Madison’s Public Schools

 Help ensure that each of our 50 schools is a place where every student can thrive now and in the future.

Started in 2018, the Foundation created this special recognition society to honor generous donors who make annual gifts of $500 or more in support of our public schools. Schools Make Madison Champions commitments allow the Foundation to sustain and expand current programing as well as to debut even more ways for the community to engage in support of the scholars, staff and families of Madison’s public schools.

Annual Pledge Fulfillment Form
Monthly Pledge Fulfillment Form

In two years, our Champion donors have already made a huge difference by supporting:

  • The launch of an alumni network to help MMSD graduates reconnect with all that’s happening in our public schools and support the next generation of scholars;
  • A teacher supply and support center to close gaps in student need and link teachers to professional enrichment; and
  • An advocacy platform fighting for support of our public schools, including outreach and coalition-building around potential 2020 referendum questions to better fund our public schools so that every scholar in our district can access a high-quality, equitable education.

Proud Schools Make Madison Champions, Betsy Huebel and Dave Silverberg, pictured here with children Sam & Hailey, both graduates of MMSD’s Memorial High School

“This initiative is vital to sustaining the Foundation as the go-to partner for the Madison Metropolitan School District. We look forward to helping the Foundation continue to grow and support Madison’s public schools so the community can meet the challenge of providing the best educational opportunities possible for the next generation and beyond.”
—Betsy Huebel, Schools Make Madison Champion

The Champion Spirit of Giving

 “I was part of the Foundation from the beginning. I’m a big believer in our mission and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. We continue to support teachers but now we have a great plan to deliver far more resources to our staff, our schools and our 27,000 students. I invite you to join the Schools Make Madison movement. Together we have the opportunity to invest in our public schools, the most important element of a thriving city for all of us who call Madison home. “ 

Elaine Lohr – Founder, Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools

Become a Schools Make Madison Champion Today

Current champions have already helped us secure over $375,000 in support. Join us today as a Champion for our public schools! Schools Make Madison Champion donors commit to an annual contribution of $500 or more and are recognized at the levels listed below.

Our Schools Make Madison Champions:

Graduates – $25,000 + per year

Be our first Graduate Champion!

Your commitment today will help sustain the Foundation’s vital services and allow us leverage new, innovative programs – all benefiting Madison’s Public Schools!

Start a Champions’ pledge form here.  Contact us to discuss your giving preferences.

Principals – $2,500 + per year

Principal Champions

Thanks to our Principal Champions!

  • Carol and Peter Carstensen
  • Cathy and David Gilman
  • Melinda and Mark Heinritz
  • Melissa Auchard Scholz and Karl Scholz
  • Katie and Jay Sekelsky
  • Gisele Sutherland and Brett Thompson

Honor roll – $10,000 + per year

Honor Roll Champions

Thanks to our Honor Roll Champion!

  • Pat Schiro

Educators – $1,000 + per year

Educator Champions

Thanks to our Educator Champions!

  • 1 Anonymous
  • Samantha Baruah
  • Laura and William Bird
  • Brian and Mary Blanchard
  • Rich Cornwell and Karen Stuesser
  • Gordon and Gail Derzon
  • Jessica and Jim Doyle
  • Fred and Beth Evert
  • Susan Goodwin and Alan Fish
  • David and Sandra Gunderson
  • Jennifer and John Hannon
  • Michael Hertting
  • Ed Hughes
  • Erica and Ralph Kauten
  • Catherine Kestle and Robert Keller
  • Sara Krebsbach and Glenn Reinl
  • Elaine Lohr
  • Marty Malloy
  • Dan and Jean Nerad
  • Elizabeth and Daniel O’Callaghan
  • Kevin and Cheryl O’Connor
  • Monica and John Pembroke
  • Charles and Helen Read
  • Allison and Jeff Reimann
  • Ron and Cathy Rotter
  • Suzanne and Michael Swift
  • Jane and David Villa
  • Vukelich-Austin Family
  • Michael and Beth Walsh
  • Beth and David Wilder
  • Jessica and Jim Yehle

Leaders – $5,000 + per year

Leader Champions

Thanks to our Leader Champions!

  • 1 Anonymous
  • Cummings Christensen Family Foundation
  • Betsy Huebel and Dave Silverberg
  • The Meanwell Legacy Fund
  • Joy C. Miller
  • Deb Neff and Kurt Sladky
  • Jeanne and Joe Silverberg

Scholars – $500 + per year

Scholar Champions

Thanks to our Scholar Champions!

  • Anne Arnesen
  • Leigh and Neeraj Arora
  • Jeff and Angela Bartell
  • Jim and Mary Bartzen
  • Jane and Ken Belmore
  • Patricia Brady and Robert Smith
  • Matt and Clare Carlson
  • Jennifer Seeker Conroy
  • Karen and Alan Crossley
  • Peter and Joy Dohr
  • Suzanne Dove and Miguel Garcia-Gosalvez
  • Joann and Joe Elder
  • Victoria and Tim Enright
  • Beth and Noel Goeddel
  • Bette and Steve Hartley
  • Eloise Hein
  • Janel Heinrich
  • Brian and Annette Hellmer
  • Anne and Paul Karch
  • Howard and Judith Landsman
  • Beth Lehman
  • Jason and Kelly Mlsna
  • Rhonda and John Norsetter
  • Kathryn Price
  • James and Tonya Prosser
  • Janet Reschke
  • Hailey Riggle
  • Mary Romolino
  • Steve and Laura Rose
  • Shown-Voichick Family
  • John and Shelly Van Note
  • Tripp and Nancy Widder
  • Guy and Ann Wilson

Champion Engagement Opportunities

What you can expect as a Schools Make Madison Champion

  • Listing in annual report in a special section devoted to Schools Make Madison Champions;
  • Recognition on newsletters, social media and website;
  • Your very own Champion branded lapel pin and magnet;
  • Invitation to an annual event exclusively for Schools Make Madison Champions members;
  • Briefings with MMSD leadership, including the Superintendent;
  • Signage and recognition at events;
  • Special acknowledgment during the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration;
  • Regular updates from Foundation staff and Board members; and
  • A point of contact at the Foundation.

“Our community has the awesome opportunity to work together to support Madison public schools so that all of our scholars reach their potential. We are so fortunate to have the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools as our “go-to” partner. Because of the Foundation, our community has already so many ways to provide resources to us. Working together, all of our elementary school students – including my scholars at Hawthorne Elementary School – will become the next generation of seniors graduating and going on to do great things. I believe that Schools Make Madison. Will you join me and Champion our Madison public schools?” 
–Beth Lehman, Principal, Hawthorne Elementary School, Schools Make Madison Champion donor