The Nancy Susick Girt Legacy Foundation fundraiser, held in September 2025, was an overwhelming success thanks to the generosity of the Coos Bay community. The event was hosted by the Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation (CBSCF) in partnership with Nancy’s children, Chelsey Girt Seedborg and Casey Girt. Its purpose was to complete the amount needed to establish an endowment in Nancy’s name and to continue her legacy of supporting Coos Bay students and the educators who guide them.
Nancy grew up in the area, married her childhood sweetheart, Fred Girt, and spent her entire professional life as a teacher and counselor in Coos Bay schools. She began her career at Allegany Elementary School and then moved to Blossom Gulch Elementary. Later in her career, she earned a counseling degree to better serve and advocate for marginalized children who lacked the support and resources necessary for success.
After retiring, Nancy joined the Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation because its mission—to promote programs in the arts, academics, activities, and athletics for the benefit of Coos Bay students through community partnerships—aligned perfectly with her educational philosophy. She remained an active board member until her passing.
The CBSCF Board of Directors worked with the Girt family to establish the foundation in Nancy’s honor. The fundraiser, held at the Coos History Museum, successfully provided the remaining capital to meet the $25,000 goal required to fund the endowment. Thanks to the tremendous support of friends and neighbors, the endowment is now fully established.
All proceeds from donors are used to fund grants for Coos Bay Schools faculty who apply for support in the areas of arts, academics, activities, and athletics. The new Nancy Girt Legacy (NGL) Endowment adds a fifth focus area: Wellness. Each year, funds raised in the community are returned to teachers to help meet the needs of students in grades PreK–12.
To learn more about the CBSCF and how you can support its work, please visit https://coosbayschoolsfoundation.org/.
