D122 Foundation Working to Fund 'Teacher Grants'

The is working feverishly to make a big splash with its first-ever fundraising event, "Celebrating Stars of Tomorrow."

The event is slated from 7 p.m. 10 p.m. Sept. 8 at the  in New Lenox.

With the idea of providing enrichment opportunities for the students in District 122, Nancy Dye, vice president of the foundation and trustee, the variety of programs and projects are endless. The foundation officially cemented its non-profit status last spring.

This first effort is intended to raise funds to support the endless enthusiasm of teachers in the district as they strive to create and enhance curriculum activities that go beyond every day instruction. "We don't know how much we'll raise," she added.

However, the funds the foundation manages to raise at the event, together with donations collected throughout the year, will all be earmarked for initiatives that the teachers submit.

Specifically, the foundation is referring to the fundraiser as a teacher grant for the 2013-14 school year. This allows instructors the opportunity to both research enrichment curriculums and enhance them with ideas that are expected to challenge their students.

The tickets for the event are $40, and they can be purchased by mailing a check to the Foundation, P.O. Box 1192, New Lenox, IL 60451. They can also be purchased at on South Howell Drive or at the  in Cedar Road. 

The event itself is anticipated to be a successful one, Dye said. The dinner will be served at stations rather than in a traditional sit-down format. There will be stations specifically for hors d' oevres, the main entree, desert table and more. This style of dining is fun, she said. "It's different."

A silent auction is planned for the many items already donated, and a raffle is on the agenda for an iPad2; tickets for the raffle are $10 each. The winner need not be present, Dye said.

In this first year of the foundation's existence, Dye said it's a great opportunity to gather community participation in support of their schools.

So far the response from businesses in the community has been tremendous.

"We've got at least half the money donated to pay for the event," which means more money for the teacher grant program.

Foundation members have been busy all summer promoting the organization, but on Aug. 18 they had a booth at the French Market. While they sold raffle tickets, they also made sure there was time for fun. A face painter was on hand to spread some smiles on the faces of the kids.

For questions about the event or the fundraiser, please contact Pam McCauley, event chair, at nlsd122foundation.events@gmail.com.