During insecure times, we are thrilled to announce a $3 million endowment to help secure Odyssey’s future. The endowment is named after Emily’s mother, Wanda, who made it out of dire poverty through her love of reading and a free college education. “Through her walk of poverty and courage to rise above, Wanda Auerbach knew what it meant to be me,” commented Odyssey alumna and staff member Char Braxton. “She stood with us, she cried with us, and she gave her heart to us. The Wanda Auerbach endowment is an awesome source of security for the program as we continue to meet the academic needs and personal growth of brilliant souls.” We are so grateful to the generous donors who have pledged $1.5 million in gifts over the next five years, to be matched by long-time UW supporters John and Tashia Morgridge.
With the start of an endowment to help ensure our future, we now seek support for immediate expenses of our life-changing program, including technology access for students whose lives were upended as a result of COVID-19.
