For over 30 years, the Vancouver community has come together to support families in need by donating to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). LSW Architects is one of our “Community Champions” who has stepped up to support VPS students and families for many years in many ways, including providing Thanksgiving dinners for families, funding school events and programs, and sponsoring the annual Foundation Luncheon.
Last November, LSW Architects teamed up with Slumberkins and raised over $200,000 at their first annual Foxgiving fundraiser to raise awareness and provide resources for homeless children and families in Clark County. When the Foundation’s primary community fundraising luncheon was cancelled and replaced with an online event due to Covid-19, LSW wanted to help make a bigger impact for VPS students in need. Using the “Give a Fox” Fund as a $80,000 match incentive inspired our generous community to give an additional $87,000!
Many of the firm’s team members support VPS students by volunteering or making personal donations. LSW Architects Founding Partner Vaughn Lein has served the Foundation for VPS as a leader and member of the Board of Directors since 2011. This June he is retiring after completing his third 3-year term limit. “We would not have been able to accomplish the great advances we have achieved without his wise counsel and patient advice,” said Cindy Luckman, Foundation for VPS board president. “Vaughn is dedicated to helping our wonderful community and together with LSW Architects, has had a tremendous impact on our kids and schools. Thank you Vaughn and LSW!”
LSW’s impact on strengthening our community is multi-faceted. They provide a variety of mentoring opportunities for students, including architecture and design camps and a high school internship program called Design CoMission. They hosted symposiums to gather VPS student input on design for several new VPS schools and expansion projects currently under construction. VPS iTech Preparatory is one of the newest additions and welcomed Washington Governor Jay Inslee at the official grand opening.
Thanks to caring community members like Vaughn and LSW Architects, VPS schools provide a positive environment for students and connect families to the resources students need to thrive in school and out. We are grateful for their investment in students – past, present, and future. Their contributions will have a lasting impact, both in the buildings they design and the community they help build.
