APS Foundation Board Member Walks the Walk for Students

Eugene Field students gets free pair of shoes thanks to Joe Varro Jr.

Yes, there were tears.

But they were joyful.

More than 100 students at Eugene Field Elementary School received new pairs of shoes for the holiday season, courtesy of Joe Varro Jr., an APS Education Foundation board member and President and CEO of DSRM National Bank/Valero.

The generosity spurred emotional gasps and even tears from students, teachers and onlookers at the school Friday as the gifts went on the feet of students.

“Joe is one of our most committed board members and has been for a long time,” said Foundation Executive Director Shannon Barnhill. “What he’s doing for these children is just incredible.”

The Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, raises funding and support for classrooms throughout the district. The entire student body at Eugene Field, located in Southeast Albuquerque, received the donation.