On October 1, 2011 we will celebrate the naming of Ballard High School Foundation's Orre Noble's Art Collection featuring:

Over the summer months a new speaker/sound system was installed in the Earl Kelly Performance Center. The Foundation contributed over $100,000 to create a state-of-the-art sound system in the auditorium. We teamed with the PTSA, and Ballard High School Music, Drama and Video Departments and now have one of the best sound systems of any high school or small college in the state. BHS students in the music, drama and video production groups will have the tools others in the area only dream of. It also gives our faculty, staff and students a much more simplified system to use for everyday functions. This contribution will affect every student at BHS for years to come. Make sure you come to one of the upcoming school productions to experience the new sound system. Financial contributions from the music, drama and video departments as well as your PTSA coupled with the generous donation from the Foundation helped make this happen.

On August 2, 2011, the 11th Annual Ballard High Golf Classic, the Vic Salvino Golf Tournament, was held at The Golf Club at Newcastle. Proceeds from the golf tournament in 2011 will benefit the 22 team athletic program, a Certified Athletic Trainer, marching band, pep band and dance and cheer squad. We raised over $210,000. Proceeds from the golf tournament along with proceeds from the Golf Auction will go to all of the teams along with a contribution that enables BHS to have a full-time athletic trainer. We can only continue to do these things if you sponsor and play in the tournament. Consider joining us next year.

This year we intend to emphasize the BHS Foundation Endowment. We have over $350,000 in the Endowment now and have a goal of $1,000,000. We encourage you to make sure that the BHS Foundation is in your will and part of your planned giving. The BHS Foundation is not an endowed Foundation and must raise new funds for every project undertaken. The Endowment would ensure the life of the Foundation and the continued support to enrich the education of the students at Ballard High. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the Endowment Fund.

We also encourage you to get involved and volunteer your time and expertise by becoming a member of Board of Directors. It not only is a tremendous, energetic group to work with, but seeing the results of the efforts of the Foundation at school and with the students, it is very rewarding. The Board is made up of alumni representing classes 1942-1994 plus community members. We are organized by committees and our goal is fundraising. Please consider joining us.

So as you can see, a very busy year is in place for 2010-2011. I am honored to serve as the Foundation's fifth President and need you to help me make this a record year. I grew up in Ballard and graduated from Ballard High School in 1958. I am active with my classmates and work to have a reunion with my class every five years. I am a very proud to be a Beaver!