CUSF Annual Kick-Off Breakfast

Last Wednesday morning (August 20, 2025), the CU Schools Foundation gathered with more than 170 teachers, community members, students, and local leaders for our 2025 Annual Kick-Off Breakfast. The room was filled with energy, excitement, and a shared commitment to supporting our schools and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Guests began arriving at the I Hotel around 7:30 AM, where they were greeted with spirit and enthusiasm by cheerleaders from our local schools. Their smiles, cheers, and energy set the perfect tone for the morning of celebration ahead.

The program officially began at 8:00 AM with a moving performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by a combined choir of more than 30 students of all ages from both Urbana and Champaign schools. Their voices lifted the room and reminded us of the beauty of collaboration and community.

Throughout the morning, attendees were invited to reflect on the impact of education in their own lives by writing thank-you notes to teachers who made a difference for them or their loved ones. These heartfelt messages were collected and will be shared with teachers as a way to honor and encourage the incredible educators in our community.

We were proud to highlight the real impact of the CU Schools Foundation over the past year. From innovative classroom grants to the growth of our Adopt-A-School partnerships, attendees were able to see how their contributions directly fuel creativity, equity, and opportunity in our schools. Several stories from recent grant projects were shared, showcasing how students benefit when teachers have the resources to bring their boldest, most meaningful ideas to life.

We are grateful to our Principal’s Circle, High Honor Roll, and Scholar Community Partners who continue to support this work faithfully year after year. Their ongoing support ensures that we can continue to build new programs like Adopt-A-School that make a lasting difference for students and teachers across our community.

The morning also offered a look ahead at how the community can continue to be part of this important work. In addition to filling out their Annual Donation Commitment Cards, guests learned about the many different opportunities to engage through Adopt-A-School, or other community programs like the CU 1:1 Mentoring, and  Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s short-term literacy and math tutoring program iRead iCount.

As always, the highlight of the event was the people—the students who inspire us, the teachers who go above and beyond, and the community members who believe in the power of public education. Together, we are building a future where every student in Champaign-Urbana has the tools, support, and encouragement to succeed.

We closed the morning with gratitude—for everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and cheered on our schools. The 2025 Kick-Off Breakfast was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together for our students and teachers.

Thank you for being part of this mission. With your continued support, we are ready to make this year our most impactful yet. 

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