Dr. Ken Sauer visiting with Rick Massini, MHPSD Trustee, at the Fine Arts Gala Thursday night. Supplied Photo

By Jesse Gill

SMILE SUNDAYS

Dr. Ken Sauer School receives donation from namesake

Jun 1, 2025 | 7:00 AM

The fine arts program at the Dr. Ken Sauer Fine Arts School received a donation from its namesake on Thursday night.

During the 2nd Annual Fine Arts Gala, Dr. Ken Sauer presented $10,000 in hounour of his wife Valerie who passed away in September at the age of 89.

Sauer told CHAT News that it’s a beautiful program he is happy to support.

Student adding to the whole-school spring mural on the front windows at Dr. Ken Sauer Fine Arts School in preparation for their Gala. Supplied Photo

Principal Laura Gale said they were surprised to receive the donation.

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“It took my breath away at our Fine Arts Gala and I was left holding the microphone in tears,” Gale said.

“To have the full support of the distinguished individual for whom our school is named means so much to us,” she added.

“Dr. Sauer spoke last night of his wife, Valerie, as an enthusiastic supporter of our school and of the fine arts as he made this donation in her name.”

Gale said they will use the gift carefully to honour Valerie’s memory.

“Dr. Sauer shared that this money is intended to enhance the programming we offer to our students, and we will ensure it does just that,” Gale said.

“As a school, we are proud to carry a name associated with such meaningful generosity and community-mindedness. Dr. Sauer is a fine example to us all.”