The Circle of Stars (formerly the Step Up Circle) 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.

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  • Individuals, families, and businesses will all be listed (unless requested to be anonymous):

    • on our website,

    • in our Decatur Focus annual report, and

    • at all DEF events as a Circle of Stars donor.

  • We have some exciting new merch in the works. It will be a pleasant surprise!

  • We will hold a private donor event at a local home exclusively for our Circle of Stars donors to attend.

All Circle of Star donors, regardless of giving level, will receive some perks, as a thank you.

Many Thanks to our 2025-2026 Stars

  • Gretchen D’Huyvetter Cobb & James Cobb

  • Leah & Sam Jenness

  • Lynn Paxton

  • Lemieux/Saulnier Family

  • LiLiu& Connor McNally

  • Donna & Bill Woolf

  • Anonymous Donors

  • Pam & Dan Galenkamp

  • Godfrey-Kittle Family

  • Heemann/ Byrd Family

  • Marks & Powell Family Fund

  • Ash Miller & Jenny Phillips

  • 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

  • Dan & Kim Baskerville

  • Sarah & Gareth Benson

  • Caroline Morgan Berchuck & Jake Berchuck

  • Haqiqa & Bill Bolling

  • Laura Bollman & Preston Cockney

  • Wendy & Andy Childers

  • Jane & Jim Donofrio

  • India & Will Epps

  • Ana Fomin

  • Ashley & James Howle

  • Molly & Scott Marrah

  • Margaret & Viraj Master

  • Hope Baker

  • Meagan & Eric Berardi

  • Jenna & Clayton Black

  • Naomi & Stan Orkin

  • Andy & Maura George Simpson

  • Amber & Garrett Womble

  • Mekeda & Khal Morris

  • Andrew & Erin O'Connell

  • Guy & Charlotte Pfeifferr

  • 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

  • Mary Lynn & Raul Trujillo

  • Bob & Lynda Wilson