GIPS Foundation Hosts 4th Annual Harvest to Support Students
GRAND ISLAND, NE – The Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation is excited to announce its annual fundraiser, Harvest, a special evening dedicated to cultivating incredible opportunities for GIPS students. The event will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Riverside Golf Club, beginning with a cocktail hour at 5:30 PM.
Harvest is more than just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of community, generosity, and the shared commitment to investing in the future of GIPS students. Funds raised at the event provide vital resources and learning experiences for students, extending beyond the traditional classroom setting. These opportunities help students expand their horizons, discover hidden talents, and build a strong foundation for a successful future.
"We believe every student deserves the chance to dream big," said GIPS Foundation Executive Director Kari Hooker-Leep. "Harvest is our way of coming together as a community to make those dreams a reality. We invite everyone to join us for a night of celebration and purpose."
This year's event will feature an inspiring program, including:
· Honoring the 2025 Heart of the Foundation Award Recipients: The 2025 Heart of the Foundation honorees, Ron Eakes and Dan Eakes, GISH alumni, are catalysts for change. Over 80 years, the trailblazing businessmen behind Eakes Office Solutions demonstrated an unwavering belief in education’s power to transform lives. This conviction led to generous scholarships that benefited countless students. Beyond that, their essential support for the Trades industry, particularly through the Career Pathways Institute, and their dedication to enhancing GIPS have brought immeasurable value to our community. Their legacy is a testament to community spirit and building a brighter future.
Join us in honoring Ron Eakes and Dan Eakes as the 2025 Heart of the Foundation Award recipients.
· Mission Moment Speaker, Brian Levander: We’re incredibly proud to feature Brian Levander, a distinguished member of the GISH Class of 1995. Join him as he shares his inspiring journey, a powerful testament to the drive to succeed and the lasting impact of a GIPS education.
Brian will share his personal story of overcoming adversity to become a successful business owner. His experiences beautifully illustrate the power of education, the incredible strength of resilience, and the profound importance of mentorship in
shaping one’s path.
Brian’s Mission Moment is a living example of how GIPS helps to sculpt futures, and we’re honored to have him speak and inspire us all.
Attendees will also enjoy a cocktail hour, a delicious entree duet meal, live and silent auctions with unique items, and the exhilarating Dessert Dash. Individual tickets are available for $100, and a table of eight can be reserved for $800. The dress code for the event is casual.
The GIPS Foundation welcomes all members of the community to attend, celebrate, and invest in the future of GIPS students. Please note that ticket sales close on September 11.