Fund newly named for retiring Neal raises more than $200K

By Charles Honey - May 14, 2019

*Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal at the recent MindShare celebration, where a fund named in her honor was announced (photo courtesy of Bryan Esler Photo)*

GRPS students who need new school uniforms, mended eyeglasses and other schooling essentials just got a big boost from a fund newly named in honor of their retiring superintendent.

*Amway co-chairman Doug DeVos embraces Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal after announcing $200,000 had been raised in her honor (photo courtesy of Bryan Esler Photo)*

The Teresa Weatherall Neal Principals Discretionary Fund was announced at the 16th annual MindShare celebration of the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation. Doug DeVos, board co-chair of Amway and its former president for 16 years, announced more than $200,000 had been raised in Neal’s honor for the fund, previously known as the Principal’s Discretionary Fund.

Seeded with an initial gift from Amway in 2014, the fund has distributed approximately $100,000 since then. The new infusion added to $40,000 to its fund balance at the beginning of the school year. It may also be used for needs determined by principals, such as positive behavior initiatives and teacher training.

More than 575 community members witnessed the surprise announcement at MindShare in late April. The Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation is the fundraising partner of GRPS, granting more than $20 million since 2003.