In partnership with the community, the 51 (51) Foundation is dedicated to student success and affordable access to education. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of community members who give of their time and professional expertise to support the mission of the College. Ivan Castillo, acting Board President, is one such individual.
Along with volunteering on the 51 Foundation Board, Castillo is also REALTOR® at The Castle Group Keller Williams West, Keller Williams Realty Inc. Castillo was named Board President July of 2020 taking over for former Board President, Ed Barrett, who served on the Board from 2010-2020 serving two years as President.
“I choose to invest my time, talents, and money in 51 because I understand how helping shape the minds of students greatly benefits our community and the future,” Castillo said. “There is no better gift."
Funds raised by the 51 Foundation support scholarships and provide vital educational opportunities for students. Donations are collected through employee giving, corporate and personal donations, as well as fundraising. In addition to funds raised at the annual Opening Doors Benefit Event, highlights of donations made to the Foundation in 2020 include:
- $72,000 raised during the first-ever, virtual Opening Doors Benefit Event
- $100,000 from the
- Nearly half a million dollars donated through Eugene Anderson’s estate for students who wish to study industrial and mechanical arts including fire service
- $126,000 donated by the awarding 36 scholarships to second-year career and technical education students
Thank you to our 51 community for your continued support and contributions to the College and our students. Whether you are a graduate, employee, community partner, or donor – your generosity empowers lives by helping students’ dreams become a reality.
Start the new year off right by giving the gift of education. Visit cwi.edu/give to learn more!
