Expanding Our Reach Through Partnership
We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Junior League of Raleigh to provide BackPack Buddies for Wiley Elementary students. This program ensures that children have meals and snacks over the weekends during the school year, helping reduce food insecurity in our community.
Thanks to the continued generosity of donors like you and the dedication of our partners, more than 45 students are receiving consistent nourishment each week.
Growing the CRF Team
Beginning this school year, CRF created a new position—the CRF Teacher Liaison—to help sustain and expand our programs. We are thrilled to welcome Allie Pruden to this role.
Allie has been instrumental in coordinating outreach, managing family support requests, and working closely with our team on fundraising initiatives. This addition strengthens CRF’s ability to meet the growing needs of Wiley families and ensures that our programs continue to thrive.
Honoring Cecilia’s Life and Legacy
With the passing of Cecilia Rawlins last year, we celebrate her life and carry forward the mission that bears her name. Cecilia’s passion for education, compassion for children, and unwavering commitment to equity continue to guide everything we do.
Read more about Cecilia’s life and legacy here.
Gratitude for Leadership and Service
A special note of thanks goes to Kathy Foglia for her tireless commitment and years of service to CRF. Kathy’s leadership, wisdom, and generosity have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for all she has contributed.
At the 2025 Wiley Soiree, Kathy was presented with the Spirit of Cecilia Award. The Spirit of Cecilia Award is presented to individuals whose selfless service, deep compassion, and steadfast commitment to Wiley Elementary reflect the enduring legacy of Cecilia Rawlins. This award honors those who nurture the whole child, uplift others with dignity and grace, and embody the spirit of equity, kindness, and community that Cecilia brought to every life she touched. Kathy is the first recipient of the award.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Casie Kerr, Jill Grifenhagen, Hadley Cairns Heath, and Eleanor Talley for their dedication and compassion during their terms of service.
At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Pete Webb and Carly Demler to the CRF Board.
A Year of Continued Momentum: Looking back at the 2024/2025 school year
Thanks to the generosity of our community, CRF raised $49,590 through grants, direct donations, corporate matching, and our annual fundraising events.
Highlights include:
Grants: $2,000 from Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, and $1,000 each from the Triangle Community Foundation, Christ Church, and the Lochbaum Family Charitable Trust.
Fundraising Events: The Fall Soirée, Boylan Heights ArtWalk, and Spring BBQ collectively raised $24,965, bringing our community together in support of Wiley families.
Your continued generosity ensures that CRF can respond directly and effectively to real needs within our school community. This year, CRF disbursed $48,497 to provide immediate, tangible support for Wiley families:
Food Gift Cards: $24,000 in grocery cards distributed before winter and summer breaks, supporting more than 60 children.
Emergency Assistance: $23,037 in support for families navigating urgent housing, utility, and food needs, responding to 12 emergency requests.
BackPack Buddies: In partnership with the Junior League of Raleigh and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, CRF helped provide weekend meals to more than 40 students—at no cost to CRF.
We are also proud to report that operational expenses totaled just $665, ensuring that nearly every dollar raised directly benefits families in need.
A Strong Position for the Future
For the second consecutive year, CRF raised more than it spent, closing the year with a positive net balance. This financial strength allows us to maintain a sustainable model, expand community partnerships, and plan confidently for the future.