The event began with the PHS Jazz band, under the direction of Eric Ryan, filling the room with toe-tapping tunes that certainly set the tone for a warm community gathering.
After a brief opening and welcome from Kent Hojem, Washington State 
Fair CEO and CIS of Puyallup Board Treasurer, the Rogers High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors followed by the National Anthem sung by an ensemble of Puyallup High School students Alex Fernando, Jenny Gabriel, Riley Harasymczuk, and Samuel Tipton.
Bill Bowers presented on behalf of the Korum for Kids Foundation, discussing the foundation’s support of CIS of Puyallup and the new initiative to connect the resources of local faith based organizations with the need of schools to maximize the impact made in the community.
Superintendent of the Puyallup School District, Dr. Tim Yeomans, spoke at the event reminding attendees that Puyallup is the land of generous people and how great it is to live in a community that gives back. Dr. Yeomans went on to say how great a partnership it is for the Puyallup School District to be working with Communities In Schools Puyallup.
Every year there are three awards given by Communities In Schools of Puyallup: one Volunteer of the Year, an Educator Citizen of the Year, as well as a Student Citizen of the Year.
The 2017 CISP Volunteer of the Year, presented by South Hill Collision, was awarded to Marilyn Elliott, a volunteer at Stewart
and Karshner elementary schools. Site Coordinator for Karshner Elementary, Matea Hickle, celebrated how Elliott’s commitment and dedication to creating relationships with students has continued to impact students at Karshner. Elliot tutors six struggling readers one-on-one every week.
The 2017 CISP Educator Citizen of the Year, presented by South Hill Collision, was received by Gina Greaves from Ferucci Junior High. Ferrucci Junior High Principal, Brian Fosnick, praised the impact Greave’s has made during her time at Ferucci through various activities such as Key Club and March Gladness.
The 2017 CISP Student Citizen of the Year, presented by the Washington State Fair Foundation was awarded to Sarah Archer, a senior at Rogers High School. Rogers High School Principal, Jason Smith, spoke about Sarah’s hard work and the example she has set for others at Rogers High School and her community.
CISP Board Chair, Bridget O’Connor, and Marcus Micheles, AmeriCorps Site Coordinator Support, talked about how the organization has impacted students throughout the district, not only in their education but through developing positive relationships with the students.
Micheles shared his experience working with students and how the impact of CIS of Puyallup services go beyond delivering academic assistance and distributing supplies. CIS of Puyallup services provide students with caring adults, someone who is there to listen and help them through tough times.
Attendees had the opportunity to bid on items donated by the community during a raffle and live auction featuring auctioneer, Jim Quinn. All proceeds of the event go towards funding services that offer academic assistance, mentoring, or basic needs to our students in need the most.
If you missed this year’s Friendraiser but would like to make a donation or become involved with Communities In Schools Puyallup, please consider one of the following: