The Wolf School hosted its annual Discover the Difference fundraising gala on April 26 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, where the Rumford-based school celebrated 25 years and raised more than $250,000 to support critical financial aid and unique programming at the K-8 special education school.
The Wolf School began with just three students back in 1999, and today it has more than 150 alumni students and its highest enrollment yet of 75. Wolf educates students with multiple learning differences in a unique learning environment, with an innovative teaching model.
Board Chairman Don McCaughey, who co-chaired the event with his wife, Kristin, kicked off the evening with a reminder to all in attendance about the life-changing impact a Wolf School education can have on the whole family.
“We may all be on our own individual journeys with our own unique challenges, but we are all moving in the same direction, toward a future that is less about our child’s limitations, and more about the possibilities that lie ahead," said McCaughey.
Guests also heard testimonials from students and their families on how the Wolf curriculum and community has impacted them .
Said Diana Turk, parent of school alum Jamie, “We all saw that in the right environment, Jamie could learn, be challenged, grow, and develop. He could have friends, find success…and be known and recognized for his strengths while at the same time being supported for his challenges.”
Added school alum Ariana DelPonte, “The Wolf School was able to use my challenges and transform them into a gift that I did not realize would change my life forever,” she said.
Head of School, Anna Johnson ended the night with gratitude as she shared with each guest, “You have all helped to make this one of our most successful Discover the Difference events ever. What better way to celebrate 25 years of Wolf.”