Community Donor Spotlight: Dasuni and Tharanga Gunasekara

For many families, choosing a school is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that mirrors their own personal values and aspirations. For one Shorecrest family, the Gunasekaras, the journey began when they enrolled their daughter, Bella '33, and their son, Enzo '38, marking the start of a deep and lasting connection with the School.

Tharanga and Dasuni bring a global perspective and a multi-generational legacy of hard work and vision to the Shorecrest community. As a seasoned entrepreneur, third-generation construction equipment dealer, and luxury real estate developer, Tharanga understands the importance of building strong foundations, both in business and in character.

"I deeply believe in the School’s mission to provide an exceptional education and foster a strong, inclusive community," he shares. "I’ve seen firsthand how Shorecrest has impacted my children's growth, and I wanted to contribute to that positive impact, helping ensure every student has access to the resources and experiences that can shape their future."

The Shorecrest Fund serves as the School’s highest fundraising priority, bridging the gap between tuition and the actual cost of the Shorecrest experience. It touches every corner of campus life, from faculty professional development to campus safety and the arts.

Given Tharanga’s background as an entrepreneur, Shorecrest’s emphasis on leadership, financial literacy, and real-world learning resonates deeply with the family. As a consistent supporter of the Shorecrest Fund, Tharanga values its broad and immediate impact across every aspect of campus life. Looking ahead, he is inspired by programs such as the Ross Roeder Institute for Financial Literacy, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. “The Ross Roeder Institute is something I am passionate about,” he explains. “As an entrepreneur myself, I want to support our next generation of leaders. It’s vital they have the mindset to innovate and the confidence to lead.”

While specific academic programs stand out for the donors, the School's commitment to educating the whole child shines brightest  As Dasuni explains, “What I value most about Shorecrest is the School’s ability to cultivate an environment in which children thrive academically, socially and personally. Shorecrest’s commitment to excellence and character development has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our family.”

By supporting the Shorecrest Fund each year, the Gunasekaras are ensuring that their children and their peers get the best experience possible at every step of their Shorecrest journey.