GIPS Foundation to Host 5th 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 24, 2026, 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 directly support the GIPS Foundation's core initiatives: granting scholarships, advancing compassion programs, and furthering professional education for staff.
"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 2026 Heart of the Foundation Award Recipients: The 2026 Heart of the Foundation honorees are Eric & Connie Allen and Mark & Jordan Allen. Champions of the Foundation’s mission, their dedication and support have brought immeasurable value to Grand Island Public Schools, leaving a legacy of community spirit and opportunity for our students.
Join us in honoring Eric & Connie Allen and Mark & Jordan Allen as the 2026 Heart of the Foundation Award recipients.
· Mission Moment Speaker, Larry Baker: We’re proud to feature Larry Baker, a distinguished member of the GISH Class of 1992. Join him as he shares his inspiring journey, a testament to the drive to succeed and the lasting impact of a GIPS education.
Larry will share his personal story to highlight the vital importance of the Scholarship Program. His experiences illustrate the power of education, the strength of community support, and how investing in students shapes a brighter future.
Larry’s Mission Moment aims to raise $10,000 for student scholarships, serving as 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 at 5:30 PM hosted by Colleen Williams, a delicious dinner at 6:30 PM, and live bidding led by auctioneer Phil Wieck, alongside silent auctions featuring unique items. Bidding for the auctions opens on Monday, September 14. Individual tickets are available for $125, and a table of eight can be reserved for $1,000. The dress code for the event is casual. Purchase tickets online at https://onecau.se/harvest26
The GIPS Foundation welcomes all members of the community to attend, celebrate, and invest in the future of GIPS students.
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Contact: Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director, Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, (308) 385-5525 or [email protected].
About Grand Island Public Schools Foundation: The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students within the Grand Island Public Schools district. Through scholarships, grants, and innovative programs, the Foundation strives to empower students and educators, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement.