Communities In Schools Remember the Impact of Philanthropist Elaine Wynn

Remembering Elaine P. Wynn: A Philanthropic Beacon

The recent news of Elaine P. Wynn's passing at the age of 82 has resonated deeply within the educational community. Announced by the Elaine P. Wynn Family Foundation, her legacy is felt profoundly by Communities In Schools (CIS), a national organization dedicated to helping students succeed. Elected to the CIS National Board of Directors in 1999, Elaine's commitment spanned over two fruitful decades, including a remarkable 17 years as board chair until 2024.

Elaine's visionary approach transformed CIS, guiding the organization into a new era marked by impressive growth. Her leadership was not just about expanding reach; it was about creating meaningful connections between students and the resources they desperately needed. Under her stewardship, CIS aimed to ensure that every school was equipped with the necessary personnel and processes to bridge the gap for students in the K-12 system, facilitating millions of connections annually.

As Rey Saldaña, the national president and CEO of CIS, noted, "Elaine's legacy forged millions of lives closer to opportunity. Her grand vision allowed CIS to become the largest non-profit organization dedicated to youth-serving activities in schools, breaking barriers and lighting paths for countless individuals. Her heart was always directed toward service, embodying the very essence of a leader dedicated to uplifting others."

Elaine's journey with CIS began in 1993 when she met organization founder Bill Milliken. Her drive led her to establish the first CIS affiliate in Las Vegas, evolving into CIS of Nevada, which now supports over 100,000 students across 118 underprivileged schools within her cherished state.

Known for her unique ability to anticipate challenges while remaining attentive to the individual needs of children, Elaine recognized each child's potential to instigate positive change in their communities. Her impact extended well beyond CIS; she held prominent positions including the President of the Nevada State Board of Education and co-chair of the Education Reform Blue Ribbon Task Force. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Governor's Philanthropist of the Year Award and the Lewis Hine Award for outstanding service to children and youth.

Bill Milliken, founder and vice chair of CIS, reflected on Elaine's influence: "Her unstoppable spirit was a driving force behind CIS, ensuring that we consistently pushed through barriers. She inspired all of us to pursue our dreams without letting obstacles stand in the way of potential. Her passing provides us with a profound opportunity to honor her legacy and continue building the pathways she established within educational institutions."

Originally from New York, Elaine graduated from George Washington University and built her life in Las Vegas, where she became a beloved community figure and raised two daughters. Her commitment to the arts was evident, too, as she served as a trustee for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and held various positions on the boards of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Library of Congress Trust Fund.

As Donna Weiss, Chair of the CIS National Board indicated, "Elaine meant everything to CIS and the broader educational movement. Her dream of ensuring that all schools, particularly those serving low-income students, had access to CIS resources will continue to drive our mission forward. Thanks to her dedication, we're set to reach all 60,000 Title I schools in the country."

Indeed, Elaine P. Wynn leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to education and the betterment of children's lives. Her advancements and her vision for educational equity remind us all of the potential each child holds. As Communities In Schools moves forward, they will continue to honor her by striving tirelessly towards a future where every student's needs are met with compassion and resourcefulness.