The kickoff event for our Founders Campaign was fun and informative. Speakers and honored guests included the principal of Garrett Park Elementary School, Elaine Chang-Baxter, Assistant Principal Wanda Means-Harris, Mayor Carolyn Shawaker, Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, and GPES teacher Don Vogel. The event was well-atteneded and it accomplished the important goal of introducing the foundation's mission to the greater community.

At the July 4th parade in Garrett Park, we marched with our float, "The ABCs of American Music." We handed out fliers and spoke with many of the participants and onlookers about the foundation. It was a great opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and spread the word about the foundation.

Our booth at the Garrett Park Elementary School Spring Fair was a big hit. We spoke to parents, educators, and students about the GPESEF and were met with enthusiasm and a strong desire to support the cause. We raised money from the sale of bottled water (thanks to the Grosvenor Market for donating the water!) and proceeds from a very talented massage therapist who attracted a continual stream of visitors to our table. A special thanks to those of you who supported us with some very generous direct contributions. As our inaugural event with the GPES community, the event was a smashing success!