The Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) hosted an unforgettable Donor Appreciation Event last Thursday evening at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, honoring the generous supporters whose commitment made this past year the most successful in CSF’s history.

Set against a breathtaking sunset on the Paseo Lawn, guests enjoyed a gorgeous evening as CSF’s President & CEO, Ashley DeGree, alongside Board President Katie Hart, expressed heartfelt gratitude to donors who continue to invest in the excellence and future of Coronado public schools. The event celebrated not only an exceptional year of impact but also the excitement for what lies ahead for CSF.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Hotel del Coronado in recognition of their longstanding support and partnership to Coronado’s schools. CSF thanked General Manager Marco Tabet and Director of Marketing Denise Chapman for showing up year after year in support of our schools.

“From sponsoring all of our major events to hosting the Annual Gala, our Back-to-School bonfire and the Donor Appreciation Event, to donating the proceeds from their annual ornament sales to providing incredible auction items to our Gala, the list of the Del’s support goes on and on,” said DeGree. “Their impact truly makes CSF possible.”

CSF also awarded the Vivien A. Nelson Foundation their Supporter of the Year Award, honoring the extraordinary generosity and dedication. The award was presented to Bob Plumb, Trustee.

During the program, CSF recognized Nick & Rika Kato, Michael & Nancy Manning, and the Vivien A. Nelson Foundation as members of its Legacy Society. These donors exceeded $100,000 during the current fiscal year, helping ensure sustainable funding for classrooms, educators, and innovative student programs across CUSD.

The evening also served as the official kickoff to the much-anticipated Annual Gala, set for Saturday, September 12th. Major event sponsors Nick & Rika Kato, Billy & Shannon Canu, and Stephen Dao & Sherry Oung revealed the upcoming theme, “The Golden Gala: A Night of Legacy & Luxury.” As a special touch, guests departed with a festive party favor of golden champagne, doubling as their official invitation to the highly anticipated event.

“The evening was about gratitude,” said Hart. “The generosity of our community fuels everything we do, and thanks to their belief in our mission, this has truly been our best year ever in support of our kids.”

The Coronado Schools Foundation celebrates and thanks its supporters for their continued partnership in strengthening public education and enriching student experiences throughout Coronado.

For more information about the Coronado Schools Foundation or The Golden Gala on September 12th, please visit csfkids.org.

VOL. 116, NO. 16 – April 22, 2026