Partner in Education PiE Champions

Jerry Smith

Kendall Inskip

E.L. Cord Foundation

Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Lifestyle Homes Foundation

Dave Bianchi

Surrounded by educators in his family, Dave Bianchi appreciates the difficult path they must travel to successfully reach students. Dave is a native Nevadan and committed to the quality of our state in many ways, with education at the top of his priority list. Dave joined the Education Alliance Board in 2014 and served as Board President from 2018-20, facilitating thousands of dollars of financial support, donating hundreds of hours of his time and talent, and inspiring others to support students, educators, and schools. He is a founding member of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, PBS Reno, and the UNR College of Business Alumni Association, and was recognized as 2022 UNR Alumnus of the Year. Dave’s enthusiasm and leadership demonstrates how deeply he values students and educators in our community.

Hunt & Sons

Hunt & Sons is an active and frequent partner with Education Alliance and Brown Elementary School, supporting student health and wellness since 2017, and playing a pivotal role in our Healing through Health campaign by raising awareness of the physical and mental health needs of children after the pandemic. Hunt & Sons believes community members have a responsibility to assist those in need and is committed to supporting the educators and students of WCSD.

Microsoft

Microsoft Reno played a large part in the success of Education Alliance’s Distance Learning Laptop Drive in 2020 with employees giving personal gifts which Microsoft generously matches. Microsoft supports students and educators through their annual Give Campaign, raising more than $63,000 for technology, student health and wellness, and Caring for Classrooms, which impacts the needs of all 103+ WCSD schools! Microsoft hosts a High School Engagement Program to provide insight into potential careers in technology, give advice to kids about a “typical” day at Microsoft, and life/career lessons, as well as DigiGirlz Camp since 2000 to inspire girls to explore careers in the technology field.

Raley's

Raley’s began its partnership with Education Alliance in 2018 financially supporting student health and wellness for many years along with thousands of dollars of food for volunteers at our events. Raley’s shows appreciation to WCSD educators with generous store gift cards at our Teachers’ Warehouse events, provided special event boutonnieres for our Board, and its store locations serve as Partners in Education with schools in their neighborhoods. Raley’s ‘Extra Credit’ K-12 school grants support classroom gardens, outdoor games, and other programs focused on student health, safety, and well-being.

Brent Boynton

In Nov. 2020, Education Alliance lost Brent, an outstanding board leader, mentor, and friend. An Emmy-nominated television journalist and member of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Brent spent 30+ years in TV news and most recently worked as community outreach for the Reno Housing Authority. When Brent spoke, thousands in Northern Nevada listened to what became the well-known voice of the professional newscaster, community advocate, and local celebrity. The Brent Boynton PiE Champion Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor his legacy of generous community contributions and commitment to education. The inaugural award was presented to Brent’s wife, Patricia Boynton, and will be awarded to individuals who go above and beyond in support of students, schools, and educators.

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Greater Nevada Credit Union launched a financial donation matching campaign to support the Distance Learning Laptop Drive in September 2020 up to $5,000 in matching funds. They hosted a media event at their new Sparks branch to present Education Alliance with the $5,000 matching funds and surprised Education Alliance staff with a $10,000 donation to the Distance Learning Laptop Drive! Two GNCU branches also served as used computer drop off locations for Distance Learning Laptop Drive donors. In partnership with Reno Cigar Lions Club the used computers were collected by RCLC members and refurbished for WCSD student use.

ITS Logistics

In collaboration with Education Alliance and Reno Cigar Lions Club, ITS Logistics helped spearhead the Distance Learning Laptop Drive when students began learning from home in March 2020. Their office has served as a collection site for used computers donated by community members for the past ten months. Additionally, ITS Logistics leadership and employees have made generous financial donations to the Distance Learning Laptop Drive. Thousands of students have benefitted from their rapid response to the pandemic!

Nell J. Redfield Foundation

The Nell J. Redfield Foundation has been providing access to learning opportunities for WCSD students in collaboration with more than 40 local educational non-profits and resources since 2013 through the Redfield Community Outreach Program. To continue to engage and support students during the 2020-21 school year, the Redfield Foundation worked with partners to offer virtual educational enrichment. Additionally, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation funded substitute licensing during a teacher shortage due to COVID-19. The Nell J. Redfield Foundation is an exemplary Partner in Education and truly deserving of the 2021 Partner in Education PiE Champion Award!

Reno Cigar Lions Club

The Reno Cigar Lions Club has been collecting and refurbishing used computers for Washoe County School District students for 14 years! Prior to the pandemic, they would host monthly sessions where they would give refurbished computers to students and teach them how to use them. In April of 2020, they partnered with Education Alliance and ITS Logistics to launch the Distance Learning Laptop Drive. The members of the RCLC collected used computers, refurbished them and coordinated drive-thru pick-up events for students in need. Their dedication to bridging the digital divide for students is unparalleled!