ASHLAND, OR – The Ashland Schools Foundation is proud to announce its upcoming feature on The Kelly Clarkson Show, airing Wednesday, October 16. The segment highlights the inspiring story of an anonymous donor’s transformative $890,000 gift last school year that prevented mid-year layoffs in the Ashland School District, as well as the outpouring of community gratitude that followed
Show producers reached out to the foundation in the spring after learning about the remarkable act of generosity via local news coverage. The story resonated with the show’s mission to celebrate uplifting community stories and the power of human kindness.
“What first felt like a miracle—the donation itself—quickly blossomed into a beautiful expression of love and unity,” shared Ashland superintendent Joseph Hattrick, EdD. “This experience reminds us of the incredible strength we have when we come together.”
The Kelly Clarkson Show segment will focus on the essential role of educational foundations in supporting public schools, the profound impact of community generosity, and the inspiring power of gratitude that rippled throughout the district following the gift.
Two Ashland students, Grace Snyder and Soren Vaughn Brown, joined Ashland High School teacher Paul Huard via Zoom from Superintendent Hattrick’s office to share their perspectives on how the donation impacted their educational experiences.
The original gift, made in December 2024, included $850,000 for strategic budget allocation to address the district’s financial challenges, and an additional $40,000 to support student affinity groups. The donation not only prevented devastating mid-year cuts, but also inspired hundreds of thank-you cards from students across the district and sparked a wave of random acts of kindness throughout the community.
“When the district realized the gravity of our financial situation, with deficits far greater than anticipated, the news of an anonymous donor stepping forward to help save our schools was nothing short of astonishing,” Hattrick adds. “What followed was equally moving: students, staff, parents, and community members showing up with letters, notes, and cards filled with gratitude.”
The foundation anticipates the national exposure will bring positive attention to the community, the school district, and the important work of educational foundations nationwide. The segment demonstrates how local generosity can create lasting change and inspire others to invest in their communities’ educational future.
“This story perfectly illustrates how foundations serve as essential bridges between generous community members and the students who benefit from their support,” stated Erica Thompson, executive director of Ashland Schools Foundation.
The Kelly Clarkson Show airs weekdays at 4pm, with the Ashland segment scheduled for Wednesday, October 16 on KOBI-TV NBC5.
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About Ashland Schools Foundation
The ASF is a 501(c)(3), non-profit public benefit corporation, organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. Our mission is to support quality education in the Ashland public schools through fundraising in the community. For more information, visit www.ashlandschoolsfoundation.org.
