Roast proves succes
fundraiser for NEF
Article and photos by Amelia Wigton • Headliner News
When the Nixa Education Foundation approached
Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith
asking if the group could roast him as a fundraiser,
his response was quick: “I’m fine with it
as long as you make a … lot of money.”
Well, that’s exactly what NEF did Oct. 14 at the inaugural
roast.
“The Nixa Education Foundation serves the children of
our school district and obviously has to have money to do
that,” Master of Ceremonies David Liss said. “Tonight is a
brainchild of the committee.”
The mission of NEF is to “enhance the educational
experience of the Nixa Public School District students,
faculty and organizations by generating financial resources
through private contributions.”
Jeff Allen, NEF president, said it all started with the
man of the hour: Kleinsmith.
Scott McDonald, school board president, bragged on
Kleinsmith, who was recently named MSBA superintendent
of the year, saying that because of Kleinsmith’s support,
Nixa is “one of the best schools in the state.”
“Dr. K, because of your leadership, I know beyond a
shadow of a doubt that the 6,200 kids at Nixa not only
will get on base, but all the way home,” he said.
Sharon Whitehill Gray, president of the Nixa Community
Foundation, flanked by NCF board members, surprised
Kleinsmith when she announced the establishment of a
charitable endowment fund in his honor, the Dr. Stephen
Kleinsmith fund.
“Those who show up run the world, and Dr. K’s great at
getting people involved,” Whitehill Gray said. “This fund will
remain in the foundation and grants are awarded through
interest earnings. I have no doubt Dr. Kleinsmith’s fund
will reach and exceed $10,000 in no time and continue to
give perpetually. Dr. Kleinsmith, thank you for your lead-
10 THE NEST NIXA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAGAZINE FALL 2017