Public schools foundation gives $18,000 to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center

RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation has announced an $18,000 gift to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center. The gift has been made possible due to the fundraising success of the Turkey Trot event held in November 2024.

Nearly 25 local businesses and organizations — including presenting sponsors Opsahl Dawson, Columbia Credit Union, Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Clark County Roof Cleaning — sponsored the eighth annual Turkey Trot, which attracted nearly 1,200 participants and volunteers, an event record. In total, the latest Turkey Trot raised nearly $36,000 — also a record.

Throughout the last eight years, the foundation has been able to provide more than $90,000 to the Family Resource Center. The center, which is located in downtown Ridgefield, provides students and families with food, clothing, and basic necessities.

“Donating to the Family Resource Center continues to be incredibly important to the foundation because it provides students and families in our community with critical resources during times of need,” foundation President Rachelle Simmons said. “Promoting equity and community are foundational aspects of the foundation’s commitment to Ridgefield.”

Chris Poppert, Family Resource Center coordinator, said, “We are extremely grateful to have the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation on our team to support the whole child and help to remove barriers to education. The annual contributions from the Turkey Trot have become essential in the yearly operations of the Family Resource Center. We are 100 percent reliant on donations from our community in order to provide support to our students and their families during challenging times.”

Georgianna Jones, foundation trustee and lead event coordinator, said, “The Turkey Trot has become a cherished community event that allows families in our community to come together not only to enjoy each other’s company, but to also give back to others. Our student volunteers earn community service hours, our residents get an opportunity for exercise while enjoying the natural scenery of our town, and the Ridgefield Family Resource Center receives much-needed funding to help meet the needs of others.”