A Generous Legacy of Educating Oregon Students

February 4, 2021

Relationships and community connections are essential for nonprofit organizations. On Giving Tuesday, Junior Achievement (JA) received a surprise gift from an unexpected connection, which drew upon a love for career education, business and work readiness on this international day of philanthropy, activism and advocacy.

Jennifer Arritola, Senior Director of In-Class Programs at Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington, posted a fundraiser for JA on her Facebook page, asking people to donate in support of our new online programs. Jennifer received a Facebook message that day from her former high school teacher, Sandra Ricksger.

Sandra was a part of the business department of Canby High School when Jennifer was in high school. Jennifer took every business class she could with Sandra and appreciated how thoughtful she was with students. She remembers “Mrs. Ricksger” as “kind, sweet, and helpful – she was my favorite teacher.”

Thanks to support from incredible teachers and mentors like Sandra, Jennifer has a successful career in business and nonprofit management. Jennifer always wanted to work in an office environment, and Sandra’s classes helped her develop business and finance skills to prepare for office jobs. Sandra encouraged Jennifer to join the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program and pursue higher education. Furthermore, Sandra wrote Jennifer a recommendation letter for college and helped her polish her resume and prepare for job interviews. They reconnected on Facebook after Jennifer graduated from Oregon State University. During her 13 years with Junior Achievement, Jennifer has been expanding JA programs and is helping more young people build financial literacy and career skills. 

While Sandra is now retired from teaching, she continues to empower children through her small family foundation in honor of her uncle, Dr. Ralph Roberts. When Sandra saw Jennifer’s Giving Tuesday donation post about Junior Achievement, Sandra sent Jennifer a Facebook message saying, “I admire the work you are doing with Junior Achievement,” and she invited our organization to apply for a grant.

Junior Achievement was thrilled to receive a $5,000 grant from The Roberts Foundation. Sandra says, “The Roberts Foundation was created and endowed by Dr. Ralph Roberts with the purpose of providing funds to benefit children. He would be very pleased with our support of Junior Achievement. The fact that JA prepares children for employment, entrepreneurship and financial independence is clearly in line with his own personal goals and successes. I hope to continue to support such a worthwhile program in the future.”

Junior Achievement and Jennifer greatly appreciate Sandra’s support of our local programs. Jennifer is a fantastic ambassador for JA programs and says, “I am so glad our connection will help us reach more students this year!”

Thanks to the power of social media and a strong connection forged years ago during high school business classes, Junior Achievement received critical funding to support our mission and programs. Sandra and The Roberts Foundation’s generous gift will support Junior Achievement and Jennifer’s impactful work with students and programs across Oregon and SW Washington.