Major donors to Friends of Renton Schools recognized with City Hall banner

Another visible sign (banner) of the drive by the Friends of Renton Schools to raise money for Renton's students is obvious on the side of Renton City Hall.

The 120-foot by 17-foot sign recognizes donors who have contributed $10,000 in cash or in-kind services to the organization, part of the Renton Community Foundation.

The sign has 12 names: Bob Bridge Toyota, First Savings Bank Northwest, Valley Medical Center, Kaye-Smith, Renton Rotary, Wizards of the Coast, The Landing, the City of Renton, Seattle Seahawks, Walker's Renton Subaru, superGraphics and Family Fun Center.

The City of Renton's is recognized for allowing the sign on the side of City Hall and did not make a cash donation, said Sherre Piantanida, the executive director of Friends of Renton Schools.

The group was launched earlier this year to help raise money for academic programs, many that help at-risk students and those who need extra help, in the Renton School District.

So far, the organization has donated about $160,000 to the district, much of which came from a kick-off breakfast.

The next fundraiser is a phoneathon in November during American Education Week, when the group will call parents and others in the district to let them know about the group and the needs of students – and to raise some money, Piantanida said.

Major donors will be recognized at a special luncheon in August at the Federal Reserve Bank with Renton School Superintendent Mary Alice Heuschel and Renton Mayor Denis Law.

The organization is continuing to look for people with special talents to help for the fundraising, including marketing and graphic design. Anyone wish to help out can contact Piantanida via e-mail at sherre@friendsofrentonschools.org.

Contact Renton Reporter Editor Dean Radford at editor@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5050.

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