As the capstone anniversary event to celebrate 25 years, The Wolf School was thrilled to host its annual Discover the Difference fundraising gala on April 26, 2024, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, RI. With over 200 guests in attendance, more than $250,000 was raised to support critical financial aid and unique programming at The Wolf School, a K-8 special education school in East Providence specializing in working with Complex Learners.
With an exciting live and silent auction and engaging casino games – it was a night to remember as alumni students and families, current parents, staff, Board members, community supporters, and Wolf School Founders, Andy Wallerstein, Mary Sloane, Lise Faulise, Rosy Granoff, and Maureen Kelly came together to raise funds for a small school that makes a very big impact. Now in its 25th year, The Wolf School has over 150 alumni students and after starting with just 3 students, currently has its highest enrollment yet of 75 students. At Wolf, parents of students who once struggled in a traditional classroom because of multiple learning differences discover a unique learning environment, an innovative teaching model, and a community that focuses on unlocking each child’s potential and love of learning.
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Learn MoreBoard Chairman Don McCaughey, who co-chaired the event with his wife, Kristin, kicked off the evening with a reminder to all in attendance about the life-changing impact a Wolf School education can have on the whole family. Don shared that because of Wolf, parents find a community where, “We may all be on our own individual journeys with our own unique challenges, but we are all moving in the same direction, toward a future that is less about our child’s limitations, and more about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Guests got to hear even more about the power of Wolf from Diana Turk, an alumni parent who illustrated that during her son’s years at Wolf, she saw not only a change in Jamie but in the whole family. “We all saw that in the right environment, Jamie could learn, be challenged, grow, and develop,” she said. “He could have friends, find success…and be known and recognized for his strengths while at the same time being supported for his challenges.” Alumni student, Ariana DelPonte, further highlighted how a Wolf School education can truly change the trajectory of a student’s life. “The Wolf School was able to use my challenges and transform them into a gift that I did not realize would change my life forever,” she said.
Inspired and empowered to ensure that Wolf continues to be able to reach Complex Learners and their families for another 25 years, attendees stepped up during the Scholarship Ask to raise over $120,000 for financial aid. With the highest attendance and most successful scholarship ask in the school’s 25-year history, this year’s Discover the Difference will certainly be one to remember!