North Clackamas Education Foundation

After twelve wonderful years with The North Clackamas Education Foundation (NCEF), and nine years serving as Executive Director, it is time for me to say goodbye. As I look back over the years I cannot help but smile.The people I’ve met and worked with, the successes we have celebrated, and the impact we have made, all add up to one amazing chapter in my life.

During my time as Executive Director we’ve seen NCEF’s assets increase by 115%, our scholarships program more than double, our awards increase to over $300,000 a year – including two of the largest award years in the Foundation’s 34 year history – and altogether we have delivered more than 2 million dollars to the students, families, and educators of the North Clackamas School District. Of course none of this would have been possible without an amazing team, including Jennifer Hungerford who believed so strongly in the Foundation’s mission (and kept my head on straight more times than I can count), Samantha Hobson who brought her amazing talent for communications to bolster the Foundation’s reach to the community, and no non-profit would be a success without the many Board Members who spend their time volunteering to help guide and support the staff.

My belief in the value of public schools, and the opportunities we provide the next generation is what has guided my work for all these years. It is, in fact, what led me to The North Clackamas Education Foundation. My advocacy and work to support our community and schools began twenty years ago as my oldest child entered Kindergarten, and it isn’t going to end here. The North Clackamas community is my home, it is where I grew up, where my children grew up, and where I will probably spend the rest of my life. My heart knows that despite my time ending at the Foundation, I will always be an advocate to help make our community stronger and better, now, and for generations to come.

I leave the Foundation in capable hands, as they look to the future and make plans for even greater things. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for everything you, the community, have done to support The North Clackamas Education Foundation and ensure the Foundation is always there to Bridge the Gap to Ensure Students Are Engaged and Ready to Learn. I look forward to seeing what the Foundation does moving forward, and I will continue to celebrate their successes, not as their Executive Director, but as a community member who wants the best possible outcomes for all the students, families, and educators of North Clackamas Schools.

Best,

Stephanie Rose
Executive Director, North Clackamas Education Foundation

Great news from our friends at Stanford's! The Community Cocktail has returned to Stanford’s in Clackamas for guests to sip and support this summer! In partnership with AHG Cares, the philanthropic arm of the company, Stanford’s will be donating $1 from every Community Cocktail sold to Backpack Buddies.

Served through the end of August, Stanford’s will be serving three different Community Cocktails to give back:
• PNW Peach featuring Crown Royal Canadian whisky, peach puree, triple sec, and cranberry
• Watermelon Spritz featuring prosecco, St-Germain, lime sour, and watermelon
• Ginger Spark, a no proof option, featuring ginger beer, peach puree, lime, soda, and a ginger candy

The Community Cocktails are served in both the dining room and bar to raise a glass and make a difference! Learn more and make reservations at stanfords.com/locations/clackamas.

It's so nice to receive good news in your inbox. And that's just what the latest edition of our newsletter is! Read it to learn about scholarship recipients, educator grants, and a Gala total. Find it in your email or read the newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/NCEFgoodnews. 🌸

📣NCEF is now accepting applications for Educator Enrichment Grants!📣

For use in the fall of 2026, these grants can fund field trips, lab supplies, classroom needs, and so much more. Please visit nc-foundation.org/teacherfunding to read our guidelines and submit an application before July 24th. Dream big and let us help! ✨

Share this with your networks so we can spread the word and continue to enrich the lives of students in right here in our community. Thank you! 💙

Thank you to our incredible donors! 🌸Your above and beyond support helped make our Gala a successful and enjoyable event. Thank you!

A special thank you to the sponsors who made the Let’s Grow Gala possible. Your generosity inspires us! We hope that when you're looking for services or planning a great meal out, you'll support the businesses that support the students, educators, and families in your community first. Thank you! ✨🌸

Every year after the Gala, we float on cloud nine for days.

The Gala is a poignant reminder of the strength and generosity of this community. We do what we do because we believe in helping students, educators, and families thrive, and your support makes that work possible. The Foundation continues its important mission because of your generosity, and we are endlessly grateful.

The final count and photos will come soon, but we couldn't let another moment pass without saying an emphatic thank you. Last night was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together in service of our students.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, donors, and student groups. You made the evening especially meaningful! (And thank you to the rain for pausing right when we needed it to.) 🌸💙

Our Let's Grow Gala is TONIGHT! We can't wait to see you at Gray Gables tonight, May 14th. VIP entry begins at 5:00 PM, with doors opening for all guests at 5:30 PM. There are more student groups than ever before and we don't want you to miss anything-see you right at 5:30! We're so excited! 🌸