The North Thurston Education Foundation (NTEF) will welcome Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders as keynote speaker for its 24th Annual Fundraising Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.
The annual luncheon brings together community leaders, educators, businesses and neighbors who share a commitment to helping every student in North Thurston Public Schools succeed, according to a news release from event coordinators.
Sanders served the citizens of Thurston County as a deputy for six years before being elected as the county’s 24th sheriff. During his time as a deputy, he participated in community service events and received the Medal of Valor and two Lifesaving Awards.
As sheriff, Sanders has focused on improving employee morale, increasing transparency and introducing technology-based solutions to challenges facing the community.
Drawing in part from his own childhood experiences, Sanders has also emphasized the need for progress in addressing domestic violence, homelessness and poverty — issues that intersect with many of the challenges facing students and families throughout the community.
Those challenges continue to grow. More than 950 students in North Thurston Public Schools experienced homelessness, while more than 6,000 lived in households facing financial hardship, the release stated.
During the 2025–26 school year, NTEF provided 10,175 basic-needs items directly to students at their schools and helped 1,365 students access the Kids Closet at the Family & Youth Resource Center for clothing and hygiene essentials.
In addition to basic-needs support, NTEF provides emergency assistance, classroom grants, scholarships and educational opportunities designed to remove barriers and help students thrive.
Registration for the luncheon is $30, which covers the cost of lunch so that charitable gifts made during the event can directly support students and classrooms.
During the program, guests will be invited to consider a suggested contribution of $70 or more. NTEF has set a $50,000 fundraising goal for the event. Tickets are available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/Pqd/.
Sponsorship opportunities are also now available for businesses and organizations interested in investing in local students while supporting one of NTEF’s signature community events.
Community members are encouraged to reserve their seats, become sponsors and join NTEF in building a stronger future for students across North Thurston Public Schools, according to the release.
