FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I support the Lake Washington Schools Foundation?

The mission of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) is to raise funds and amplify community resources to provide students in Lake Washington School District what they need to thrive, both now and in the future.

LWSF is uniquely positioned to address critical needs and support essential programs within the District, stepping in to fill the gaps when Federal and state funding fall short. Our Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed, by mobilizing community support and resources to make up for these funding deficiencies. This commitment positions us as a key partner in the educational ecosystem, actively contributing to the well-being and future success of our students.

Since its inception in 2005, the Foundation has raised and directed millions of dollars to district-wide programs and projects that prepare each of our district’s students for school and for life. Our work is only made possible by the generosity and support of our community.

What is the Be the Bridge Spring Benefit and why should I attend?

Be the Bridge is Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, rallying sponsorships and donations that support a wide range of transformative programs for students and families in the Lake Washington School District. By attending, you will get a glimpse into our programs and funding initiatives at work, listen to inspiring stories of impact, and witness how your contributions make a difference to the students in our community.

Who can attend this event?

We warmly invite all individuals who are passionate about supporting local students to join us! Historically, our gatherings have been enriched by the presence of a diverse group of attendees, including parents, volunteers, and staff members from both within and beyond the Lake Washington School District. Each year, we are also honored to welcome leaders from the school district, representatives from local government, and community partners to our event. Be the Bridge is a unique opportunity for individuals united by a common goal—to achieve the Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s mission of empowering students to thrive, both now and in the future.

Be the Bridge is LWSF’s biggest annual source of funding. This event is free to attend and we encourage every attendee to donate as generously as possible. The minimum suggested donation is $250.

How can I bring a group of friends and community supporters to the event so that we can sit together?

Great idea! We would love our event to be full of friends gathering for a shared cause. Our Table Captains play this exact role, bringing together like-minded friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members. A Table Captain’s #1 job is to help lead a generous table by filling the room with people who are—or have the potential to be—passionate about supporting students through LWSF. Please contact us at TableCaptains@lwsf.org to get started.

What is Raise the Paddle?

During the Be the Bridge Spring Benefit, we will have a "Raise the Paddle" auction. The event MC will invite guests to make a monetary donation at specific giving levels, and donors will raise their paddles to indicate their commitment. Each guest will receive a unique bid number upon pre-registration of their credit card. If you have not registered your credit card, we encourage you to do so in advance of the event and expedite wait times at check-in.

What is a Dessert Dash?

For dessert, we will have a variety of delicious desserts available for each table of guests. They will be displayed throughout the event, so be sure to scout out which dessert your table wants. Together, guests at each table will pool their donations (using their personal bid numbers) to make a collective Dessert Dash bid. Dessert Dash bid sheets will be collected from each table at a set point in the evening. The highest bidding table gets to "dash to the desserts" first, with subsequent tables following only seconds behind. Each table will select one 'dasher' to run up to the dessert display and claim their desired dessert for their table.

I just pre-registered my credit card. What happens next? When will I be charged?

Thanks for pre-registering and streamlining your check-in at the event! At check-in, you will receive a name tag, table assignment, and a unique bid number. (If a guest does not have a credit card on file, they can swipe their card at check-in.) You may use your unique bid number to make a donation during raise the paddle, contribute to your table's dessert dash, and more! Following the event, we will double and triple check all bids and process the credit card transactions no later than 5 days after the event. At that time, you will receive an emailed receipt.

Other than attending and donating, how else can I support Be the Bridge?

Join us as a table captain and invite your friends, colleagues, neighbors, parents/grandparents that care about education and the well-being of our local students! Contact us at TableCaptains@lwsf.org for more info.

If your company is interested in supporting the well-being and education of students throughout Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish, we would love for them to join us as a Community Partner. Click here for more information. Giving levels begin at $1,000.

What if I am not available to attend?

If your heart aligns with our mission but you find yourself unable to attend the event, we warmly invite you to contribute on our online donation page. Your generous support plays a crucial role in helping us reach our fundraising targets for the event, ensuring that our efforts can continue to positively impact students across all schools. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in our ability to enrich and support the educational journey of our students.