- Indiana Public Education Foundation Day;
- Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction Tickets On Sale;
- End-of-Year Challenge Match Update;
- Welcome back to Community Partner, The Russell Company;
- And be sure to visit wlsef.org to learn about the many other exciting initiatives of your West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation!
Showing Love for Public Education:
Indiana Public Education Foundation Day
The Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations (INAPEF) acknowledges the significant role that education foundations play in supporting academic success in our schools. Indiana Public Education Foundation Day highlights the invaluable contributions of education foundations across the state. This day, held annually on the second Tuesday of February, advocates for the mission of education foundations to raise private dollars to fund local school district initiatives that public funding does not cover. While each foundation has its unique mission of supporting academic accomplishment, the well-being of students and staff is of utmost priority.
INAPEF recognizes these organizations as essential in addressing funding gaps while ensuring students and educators thrive. Their success depends on the collective efforts of community partners, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers.
As part of this celebration, INAPEF invites everyone to learn more about their local education foundations, support their initiatives, and honor the transformative work these organizations accomplish across Indiana.
INAPEF serves as a statewide network that empowers local education foundations to maximize their impact. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, INAPEF strengthens efforts to enhance academic achievement and student well-being in Indiana’s public schools.
More information about the Annual Indiana Public Education Foundation Day.
Let us celebrate and support the education foundations that are making a significant impact on students’ lives across Indiana with full confidence!
Dr. Tiffany Lyle, WLSEF Board member, and Wendi Ailor, WLSEF Executive Director, attended INAPEF’s annual conference at Conner Prairie in December. Ailor serves on the INAPEF Board of Directors.
Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available for this year’s Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2026 Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction. This year’s event will be held at The Stables Event Center on Saturday, March 28th.
Funds raised at Scarlet & Gray support the overall mission of the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation: to sustain the premier public education offered in West Lafayette Schools. We can’t wait to celebrate Red Devil Pride at this year’s event!
We know Red Devils love a good theme — and supporting a great cause! The Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction is THE fundraising event for the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation.
PROM THROUGH THE DECADES …
Step into a time machine of tulle, tuxes, and timeless tunes — a glamorous, nostalgic celebration where every guest gets to relive (or reimagine!) prom night through the decades. Whether you were born in the ’50s or just love the vibe of the ’90s, this theme invites you to pick your favorite era and show up dressed to impress as if it’s your prom night in that time period.
So … invite your favorite dance partner, brush up on your moves and buy your tickets today!
Update: End-of-Year Matching Gift Challenge
With 2025 now in the rearview mirror, the Foundation would like to share our gratitude to all who made a gift to the very successful end-of-year matching gift challenge. Together, you contributed $24,272.32 to the Foundation’s General Fund. WOW! While we did not quite reach the $25,000 goal, the Foundation is extremely grateful to the alumnus who extended the challenge and gave this incredibly generous gift to the Foundation’s General Fund.
Why the General Fund Matters:
General fund gifts are the quiet backbone of the Foundation. The general fund provides flexibility to respond to real needs as they arise—keeping the lights on, retaining great staff, and filling gaps that restricted funds can’t touch. Because general fund dollars aren’t tied to a single program, these gifts allow leaders to make thoughtful, timely decisions and invest where the impact is greatest. In short, general fund support turns good intentions into sustainable, day-to-day mission delivery.
The Foundation is grateful to the alumnus who challenged the Foundation to “be bold” in asking the West Lafayette School community to make a gift and meet this challenge. THANK YOU for honoring the legacy of our alumni and building brighter futures for today’s students.
WLSEF appreciates your contributions!
Community Partner: The Russell Company
Thank you to The Russell Company for renewing their Community Partnership with the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation. Community Partners are invested in the success of West Lafayette students and teachers and we couldn’t be more grateful.
As a Community Partner, The Russell Company sponsors the ART Program for the school corporation. The Red Devil Appreciation, Recognition, and Thanks program strengthens the teamwork and spirit of WLCSC by encouraging staff to share a note of thanks and recognition between colleagues. Each month, five names are drawn from among the nominations to receive a gift card.
Thank you to The Russell Company for continuing your impactful partnership!
Upcoming Events
- March 13, 2026 | Spring Teacher Grant Application Deadline
- March 21, 2026 | Donut Dash with Teachers’ Treasures
- March 28, 2026 | Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction
- April 9-10, 2026 | Wall of Pride events
- September 18, 2026 | Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
Keep in touch!
Planning a class reunion? Receive a job promotion? Win an award or receive recognition? Share your news with your alma mater! The West Lafayette Alumni Association would love to share your news in the Devil’s Advocate newsletter. Visit the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation website and submit your update today!
Want to help?
Get involved today with a donation to WLSEF!