Moore Public School Foundation Celebrates 30 Years
On May 29, Moore Public School Foundation will celebrate an important milestone – 30 years of support for students, educators and schools across the district.
What began three decades ago as a grassroots effort led by parents and community leaders has grown into a vital force to enhance learning opportunities for students across Moore Public Schools.
“They wanted to see more happen in our schools,” shared Lizzy Bozarth, executive director of the foundation.
Since its founding, the foundation has infused local classrooms with grants for enrichment programs, instructional materials, visiting instructors and speakers, field trips, safety enhancements and more, benefiting all 25,000 students in the district.
“Every school has been impacted by a grant in some form or fashion,” Bozarth added.
Since 2015 alone, the foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants.
“We have helped fund everything from sensory rooms and outdoor classrooms to new book sets, art supplies, drones, 3D printers; the list goes on and on,” Bozarth explained. “Teachers are so intentional when requesting these grants. If we can do it, we will make it happen.”
Grants are awarded each spring and fall semester, typically totaling between $70,000 and $90,000 annually.
“We wouldn’t be here without the help of our donors and sponsors. The community is so generous and quick to support our schools,” Bozarth said.
Building Bridges
In 2022, the foundation embarked on its most ambitious project to date: raising nearly $4 million to launch Bridges of Moore, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting high school students experiencing family crises.
“This has been uncharted territory for us and will probably be a key turning point,” Bozarth said. “It has been a daunting task, but it has opened our horizons to what our community will support.”
Earlier this year, the foundation broke ground on the Bridges of Moore Village, a campus that will include 10 duplexes, resident advisor housing and a student center. The village is expected to open to students in the fall.
Support for the project began with students themselves. Through Moore Love, the district’s annual student-led philanthropic initiative, MPS students raised $280,000 to kick off the campaign.
“Having students step up and say this is a cause they want to support was a huge highlight for us,” Bozarth said.
The foundation has raised more than 60% of its funding goal. To learn how to donate to the Building Bridges campaign, visit mooreschoolsfoundation.org/buildingbridges.
The Soirée
On May 29, the foundation invites the community to celebrate its 30th anniversary at a tropical, casino-themed party at OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City. The event will include live entertainment, a casino experience, cocktails and food and the first-ever MPSF Hall of Fame induction.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary and the people who make the work of the foundation possible,” Bozarth said. “(The Soirée) will be a vibrant look forward.”
Tickets start at $150 and proceeds will benefit classroom grants and other foundation programs. Resort cocktail attire is encouraged. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit mooreschoolsfoundation.org/thesoiree.– SMS
By Lindsay Cuomo
