In 2020, the District 99 Education Foundation has contributed more than $50,000 throughout District 99 and the community.
“With so many changes, hardships and unknowns 2020 has brought into everyone’s lives, one constant has been our generous and supportive community,” District 99 Education Foundation President Julia Beckman said. “Thanks to our community, the District 99 Education Foundation has supported frontline workers, families in need as well as District 99 students and teachers to support them in this new learning environment.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation for stepping in when our community and students need it most,” Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele said. “We can’t thank our community enough for continuing to support the Foundation, which directly and positively impacts our students.”
In April, the Foundation organized the COVID-19 Family Support Fund which has raised more than $24,000. To date, more than 300 families in need have received gift cards to local grocery stores and businesses that provide groceries, food, and other essential household items. District 99 administrators, teachers and counselors identify families that are struggling, and deliver the gift cards to families.
Also in April, the Foundation raised more than $14,000 for face shields produced by District 99 teachers and students who distributed more than 8,000 faceshields to healthcare workers. For its work, the team received an Those Who Excel Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.
In addition in 2020, the Foundation awarded more than $15,000 for a variety of learning grants. Recently, the Foundation has provided equipment and supplies for students who are studying science and culinary arts in a remote learning environment. For a full list of recent grants awarded, click here.
To learn more about the District 99 Education Foundation, and to get involved, visit their website.
To support the Foundation and District 99 students, donate here.