GIPS Foundation to host inaugural Harvest gala
For over three decades, the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation has helped support the students and staff in our community. The GIPS Foundation funds additional opportunities for students and staff through programs such as Classroom Mini-Grants, Teacher of the Year, Scholarships, Legacy Grants and other needs as they arise. In fact, during the 2020-2021 School Year, the GIPS Foundation invested $1,447,443 into Programs, Scholarships and Grants benefiting our students.
On Thursday, September 22, 2022, the GIPS Foundation will host its first ever fundraising event called the Harvest at the historic Liederkranz. Over the years, the GIPS Foundation has participated in many fundraisers, but this will be the first event style fundraiser they’ve put together. “At the GIPS Foundation we’re so excited to share our brand new event information with you and invite you to join us as we - Celebrate Your Legacy. Invest in Their Opportunity.” said new Executive Director, Kari Hooker-Leep.
Kari joined the GIPS Foundation on June 27, 2022 and at the inaugural Harvest gala guests will get to hear from Kari as she introduces the event and shares the mission and work of the GIPS Foundation. In addition, guests will also be able to enjoy a signature brew from Kinkaider, silent auction, live auction, raffles, dessert dash and more. Dinner will be a delicious two-meat entree catered by Blue Fork Kitchen out of Hastings. Harvest will be hosted by Husker Football alum and NFL star, Adam Carriker and the event is presented by Allen Capital Group.
The GIPS Foundation will be introducing a brand new award at the event titled Heart of the Foundation. This award celebrates those who cheer on the GIPS Foundation in all of its endeavors and actively participates in growing its mission. The inaugural award will be posthumously celebrating former GIPS Superintendent and pioneer of the Academic Aristocrat program, Marv Maurer.
Guests wanting to attend the event can purchase tickets at gipsfoundation.org. Individual tickets are $100 and a reserved table for 8 is $800. Anyone not able to attend can still participate in the silent auction via mobile bidding or donate online. Silent auction mobile bidding will open on Monday, September 12. Current auction items are available to browse at gipsfoundation.org.
For more information, contact: Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director, Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, (308) 385-5900, ext. 201170, khookerleep@gips.org.