West Seattle schools: Decision time for Gatewood philanthropists

They’re among our area’s youngest philanthropists – students at Gatewood Elementary who’ve just made some big spending decisions. Teacher Darren Radu shared the photo, and tells us about the Philanthropy Roundtable:

Roundtable Reps have met weekly over the past couple of months to determine where to allocate a $1000 Penny Harvest grant. They’ve come together to survey community members about local, national, and international needs, research organizations, and eventually determine the organizations most worthy of support. One of the goals is to find those organizations that create the greatest positive impact for the least amount of dollars. Students were the key drivers of decisions, and had the final say in where the money went.

This year, the Roundtable came to consensus on donating to Kaboom! (building playgrounds in urban areas), Children’s Defense Fund (specifically with gun safety in mind), and Treehouse (providing foster kids with support to pursue their dreams). The kids were delighted to have this small but significant positive impact on their world!

8 Replies to "West Seattle schools: Decision time for Gatewood philanthropists"

  • jenwe5 May 1, 2013 (9:56 pm)

    So thrilled to see youth engaged in philanthropy. Mr.Radu’s impact with young children today reaches far into the future. My daughter was in Mr. Radu’s kindergarten class when he was a rookie teacher. She is now a junior at Chief Sealth, headed toward college. Mr. Radu, you rock! West Seattle and our world are a better place because of teachers like you.

  • Michelle R-R May 1, 2013 (10:01 pm)

    Great program and great choices, kids!

  • add May 1, 2013 (10:20 pm)

    Penny Harvest is such a cool program – great job, Gatewood kids!! http://www.commoncents.org/go/penny-harvest/about-the-penny-harvest

  • Hollyplace May 2, 2013 (2:48 am)

    Great choices! Go Gators!

  • miws May 2, 2013 (7:37 am)

    Great job all around, Kids! From the initial “harvesting”, all the way up to the decision where the donations will go. From what I’ve read on WSB in the past regarding Kaboom! it sounds like they are a very worthy recipient.

    .

    I’ll bet they’re probably among the most enthusiastic area Philanthropists as well!

    .

    Mike

  • AHParent May 2, 2013 (12:18 pm)

    Awesome!!

  • Mike Buchman May 6, 2013 (12:45 pm)

    In Seattle, Penny Harvest is operated by Solid Ground, which works to end poverty and undo racism and other oppressions that are root causes of poverty. Each year we help more than 50,000 people have access to quality housing, nutritious food, equal justice and opportunities to thrive.

  • Gaewood Parent May 7, 2013 (8:41 am)

    Mr. Radu is an outstanding example of the outstanding staff at Gatewood Elementary. They maintain an impressive commitment to teaching all kids for all of life. They do the basics very very well while weaving in the bigger lessons in and around the 3Rs. I can’t honor them enough. A sterling West Seattle asset

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