The Circle of Stars is DEF’s core community of donors - individuals, families, and businesses - whose generosity lights the way for Decatur’s students.

From the stellar beginnings of a Nebula to the steady brilliance of a North Star, every level of giving represents a deep commitment to helping our children overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.

Join our constellation of supporters.

Learn More
Learn More

All Circle of Stars donors, regardless of giving level, are eligible to receive some perks as a thank you. These benefits follow the school year.

All Circle of Stars donors regardless of giving level, are eligible to receive:

  • Recognition on DEF’s website, in our Decatur Focus annual report, and at DEF events as a Circle of Stars donor.

  • Invitation to a Star Social, a private donor event.

  • DEF Merch.

Many Thanks to our 2025-2026 Stars

  • Gretchen D’Huyvetter Cobb & James Cobb

  • Leah & Sam Jenness

  • Lynn Paxton

  • Lemieux/Saulnier Family

  • Li Liu & Connor McNally

  • Ash Miller & Jenny Phillips

  • Donna & Bill Woolf

  • Anonymous Donors

  • Pam & Dan Galenkamp

  • Godfrey-Kittle Family

  • Heemann/ Byrd Family

  • Marks & Powell Family Fund

  • Martha & Leighton Moore

  • Paulsen Family Fund

  • Kristine & William Rudolph

  • The Rutland Foundation, Inc

  • Steve & Nicki Salcedo

  • Shannon & Anthony Scalese

  • Alex & Sybelle Scott

  • Jill Wasserman & Stephen Devereaux

  • David & Kerianne Acra

  • Dan & Kim Baskerville

  • Sarah & Gareth Benson

  • Caroline Morgan Berchuck & Jake Berchuck

  • Haqiqa & Bill Bolling

  • Susan & Randolph Bundschu

  • Laura Bollman & Preston Cockney

  • Wendy & Andy Childers

  • Monique Crubezy

  • Jane & Jim Donofrio

  • Diana Ellsworth

  • India & Will Epps

  • Ana Fomin

  • Anne and Gordon Haist

  • Jeffrey Hawthorne

  • Ashley & James Howle

  • Molly & Scott Marrah

  • Margaret & Viraj Master

  • Hope Baker

  • Meagan & Eric Berardi

  • Jenna & Clayton Black

  • Naomi & Stan Orkin

  • Guy & Charlotte Pfeiffer

  • Andy & Maura George Simpson

  • Amber & Garrett Womble

  • Mekeda & Khal Morris

  • Andrew & Erin O'Connell

  • Ben & Merry Pope

  • Kelly & Jason Richardson

  • Nia Schooler & Walter Broner

  • Joanna Shepherd & Richard Fields

  • Weonhee & Ryan Shin

  • Chris Sidor & Bobbi Kay

  • Matt & Julie Smith

  • Christa & Tim Sobon

  • Deanna & Michael Sutandi

  • Anne & James Topple

  • Mary Lynn & Raul Trujillo

  • Cathy & Steve Vogel

  • Bob & Lynda Wilson