The Foundation Schools Honors Charles Mann
and Dr. Hazel Harper

During The Art & Soul of Learning 2008 Benefit The Foundation Schools celebrated another year of “dreaming big” for student success with The Art & Soul of Learning 2008 Benefit. The Benefit was held on April 10th at Manor Country Club in Rockville and was the schools’ most successful to-date. The proceeds of the event support our many special programs that help to ensure student success, including after-school counseling, a school lunch program and a remedial reading program. Continuing in the tradition of past years, the cornerstone of the event was the one-of-a-kind student art creations. The ceramic pieces, framed wall art and other handmade accessories brought rave reviews. The Foundation School Band performed for its second year and even stepped-up to provide some additional musical selections during the silent auction and check-out. There was tremendous community support of the event, which was sponsored by twenty-eight area businesses and individual donors. The community also responded with generous donations for the silent and live auctions. Additionally, a raffle drawing generated a lot of excitement both before and during the event. The 2008 Founders Award was presented to Charles Mann, retired NFL and Pro-Bowl defensive end, for his tireless work serving and educating youth in our community. The Foundation Schools was also pleased to present its’ first Courage to Care Award to Hazel Harper, D.D.S., in recognition of her volunteer service. Dr. Harper sought out The Foundation Schools last year after she learned of the tragic death of one of the school’s students when an infection caused by an abscessed tooth spread to his brain. Along with her colleagues, Dr. Harper has coordinated several free dental screenings for the schools’ students, many of whom lack insurance coverage and access to regular dental care. The photos on our homepage, courtesy of Daniel Peck Photography, show Board Member Jo Ann Bell presenting the Founders Award to Charles Mann and former MANSEF Executive Director, Myrna Cardin, presenting the Courage to Care Award to Dr. Harper.