Over $138,000 Raised at GIPS Foundation's Third Annual Harvest Event
The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of its third annual fundraising event, Harvest. Held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Riverside Golf Club, Harvest raised over $138,000 to support the students and staff of Grand Island Public Schools.
For over three decades, the GIPS Foundation has been committed to providing essential resources to the district through programs like Classroom Grants, Teacher of the Year, Scholarships, and Legacy Grants. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, the Foundation invested over $1.4 million in these initiatives.
Luis and Madi Rodriguez sharing their story at Harvest
The Harvest event featured a delicious dinner, silent auction, live auction, dessert dash, and inspiring guest speakers. GIPS alumni, Luis and Madi Rodriguez, shared their personal journeys and expressed gratitude for the Foundation scholarships that helped them achieve their dreams.
"We were deeply moved by Madi and Luis' heartfelt stories.” GIPS Foundation Board member Kelly Enck stated, "Their experiences highlight the life-changing impact of our scholarships." A Fund-a-Mission moment during the event raised over $10,000 for the Foundation's scholarship program.
Also honored at the evening’s festivities, posthumously, with the Heart of the Foundation Award was Lanny Martin. Martin was a dedicated supporter of the GIPS Foundation whose generosity paved the way for countless students to pursue their goals. Members of the Martin family were moved by the salute to the late Lanny Martin.
“We will forever cherish the stories shared about how Lanny’s generosity and belief in education has impacted so many Grand Island student scholars.” Sharon Martin reflected, “It was a touching celebration and one we will always remember with great fondness.”
Kari Hooker-Leep thanking the community for investing in our students
Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director of the GIPS Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the community's unwavering support. "The overwhelming generosity shown at Harvest demonstrates the importance of investing in our greatest assets: our students," she said.
The funds raised at Harvest will directly benefit GIPS students and teachers, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically and personally.
Our Harvest event would not be possible without the generous support of our community coming together to invest in the future of Grand Island and our students.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Tom Dinsdale Automotive. Thank you, Tom & Kim Dinsdale for supporting education, Grand Island Public Schools and the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.
Thank you to all the many generous corporate sponsors. Thank you to our GIPS Foundation Board, GIPS District, GIPS Board of Education, Harvest Committee members, auction donors and all the numerous volunteers that made Harvest come together. We are grateful for your partnership and giving of your time and talents.
The GIPS Foundation is able to make a greater impact on the lives of our students because of you!
