Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director of the GIPS Foundation, speaks at the harvest event, (GIPS, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation (GIPS Foundation) is thrilled to announce the success of its third annual fundraising event, Harvest.
Held on Thursday, Sept. 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.
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, 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.
More information about the GIPS Foundation mission and programs may be found at www.GIPSFoundation.org.
