Green Gives Back: Collierville Education Foundation
John Green always knew that teachers and their classrooms often need more funding than they receive. He watched as both his mother and his first wife often paid for their classroom materials out-of-pocket. In 1988, John, alongside Collierville High School’s principal, created the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, an event to honor teachers that still happens today.
However, John Green wanted to do even more. He was determined that teachers should not have to pay for their classroom materials themselves. So in 1996, he founded the Collierville Education Foundation.
When his first wife passed away a few years later, he created the Marilyn Barnes Green endowment in her honor. Since 2002, John Green and Company has donated more than $100,000 to the endowment.
Since its creation, the foundation has focused its mission on promoting academic excellence in Collierville schools through grants given to teachers that allow them to enrich every child’s education. At its core, the CEF supports creative and passionate teachers who want to make a difference within the Collierville school system. An excellent school system is a sign of an family-oriented area that we’re excited to see grow.
The Collierville Education Foundation awards an average of $70,000 worth of grants each year. Since 1997, CEF has given out almost $1.2 million in grants. Their goal is to eventually be able to approve every eligible grant application.
Most recently, at the 2019 CEF’s Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, a surprise $10,000 donation was awarded to Collierville Middle School by CEF sponsor Landers Ford.
We here at John Green and Company are excited to be a part of the Collierville Education’s Foundation history and future. We firmly believe in their mission. In addition to the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, the CEF also fundraises through the annual Classic Car Show, the Drive for Education Golf Tournament and hosts give-back events throughout the year.
Be sure to check the website for more information! https://www.colliervilleeducationfoundation.org/
