IPSF HONORS LOCAL BUSINESS AT SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS

May 29, 2019

Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), in partnership with Irvine Unified Council PTA (IUCPTA), hosted the Spirit of Community Awards on May 23, 2019 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. At the event, IPSF honored School Spirit Pays, represented by Founder, Chairman, and CEO Don Paris, for their outstanding contributions to educational excellence and dedication to making a lasting financial impact on Irvine schools.

“This luncheon is about celebrating partnership and collaboration within our community, and this year’s IPSF Spirit of Community Award goes to an organization that has gone above and beyond to support the students of Irvine,” said Neda Eaton, President and CEO of IPSF. “Schools Spirit Pays is an incredible example of recognizing a need for additional funding in our schools and finding a creative solution to generate revenue through collaborations with local businesses.”

The inspiration for School Spirit Pays was to honor Don Paris’ wife’s parents Jim and Mary Trentini who were on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Both dedicated high school teachers, Jim and Mary are remembered for their commitment to education and their giving spirit. School Spirit Pays was founded as a way to carry on their legacy of generosity.

More than a credit card processing company, School Spirit Pays is different in one crucial way – a portion of each processed transaction is donated to local education. They match the rates of other processors so that businesses are able to make a difference without paying more. School Spirit Pays is dedicated to improving communities through local schools and collaborates with many other non-profits across the country.

Over the past 8 years, School Spirit Pays has contributed more than $65,000 to our schools. School Spirit Pays leads by example, putting their commitment to community and education before profits. They set an incredible example of generosity, just as Jim and Mary Trentini did.

For more information, or to refer a business to School Spirit Pays to benefit Irvine schools, please contact Beth Hofeldt at bhofeldt@ipsf.net.