RPS Fundraising, Musical Acts, and Running
Cheers RVA!
Today will be cloudy with potential rain showers in the morning, with a high of 55 and a low of 45. More sun is expected over the weekend with highs in the mid 60’s.
the juice:
Richmond Public Schools has overhauled it’s fundraising operations, and the change seems to have paid off so far, via Sarah Vogelsong at the Richmonder.
The RPS Education Foundation has been around since 2001, but in some years would raise less than $10k annually.
Over the past decade, they’ve raised about $1 million.
But in the first four months of this fiscal year, they’ve taken in about $3.4 million, with $2.5 million coming from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
One benefit of the new funds has been the RPS200 Pilot Program which extends the school year to 200 days. The program is now operating in four Richmond schools.
Other approaches to supporting the school system have included providing scholarships to graduating seniors and providing Chromebooks for students during the pandemic.
The executive director of the foundation, Taikein Cooper, notes that while it’s difficult for the district to use public dollars on an unproven idea, the foundation has more flexibility for trying new things.
Read more here.
the pulp:
The first concert booked at Richmond’s new Allianz Ampitheater at Riverfront is country star Dwight Yoacham, set for June 21. This booking is not necessarily the debut concert for the venue, just the first announced.
Virginia lawmakers are considering regulating Automated License Plate Readers, from the Mercury. Currently 18 states regulate the use of the surveillance cameras.
Innsbrook is bringing back it’s After Hours concert series with Tribute Thursdays beginning next summer.
the dive:
A few facts about the Marathon:
The Richmond Marathon was first held in 1978, with over 1k participants running the main event.
That number dropped during the 80’s and 90’s, with only 432 taking part in 1994.
This year the 26.2 mile event is maxed out at 6200 runners, making it the 18th largest in the United States.
The course record of 2:13:45 was set by Kenyan Kennedy Kemei in 2011, with Russian Irina Suvorova setting the female record in 2000 with a time of 2:31:35.
the vibe:
It’s been reported they don’t start towing until 9 pm. Parker beware.
Have a steady day RVA!
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