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TEAM Campaign 2020!
We saved you a seat on the bus! Join us and buckle up for an adventure-filled year.
The Foundation staff is excited for this year’s TEAM campaign. Get to know our team by watching the video below:
What does the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation do? We are a non-profit organization that provides funding to the Elkhorn Public Schools District for enhanced educational opportunities for Elkhorn students and additional support for Elkhorn Public Schools staff.
What is the TEAM Campaign? The TEAM Campaign is an annual fundraiser where EPS staff donate to the Foundation to help fund its programs.
By donating to the Foundation’s 2020 TEAM Campaign you’re helping us provide additional funding for Elkhorn Public School Classroom Grants, Scholarships, Teacher Tuition Reimbursement, and more!
Last year, 708 EPS staff members donated over $53,000 to the TEAM Campaign demonstrating that…
Together Everyone Achieves More!
If you’re ready to join us in our efforts, please consider donating to our 2020 TEAM Campaign! Your donation will help us continue to fund vital programs for our Elkhorn students and staff!
Donation Rewards:
Level 1
If you donate $5 or more, you’ll receive a mask lanyard!
Level 2
If you donate between $55 to $79, you’ll receive a Bella long-sleeve shirt and a mask lanyard!
(Unisex Sizes XS-3XL)
(Monthly equivalent payroll donation of $7-$9)
Level 3
If you donate $80 or more, you’ll receive a lightweight pullover 1/4 zip Adidas pullover and a mask lanyard!
*Please note: a long sleeve shirt is not included with your $80+ donation.
(Monthly equivalent payroll donation of $10+)
OR
(Monthly equivalent payroll donation of $10+)
Level 4 – DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, WE’VE ADDED A FOURTH LEVEL!
If you donate $128 or more, you’ll receive a lightweight pullover 1/4 zip Adidas pullover, a long sleeve shirt, and a mask lanyard!
(Monthly equivalent payroll donation of $16+).
OR
(Monthly equivalent payroll donation of $16+).
***If you’ve already submitted your TEAM Campaign form, and wish to revise your donation amount to meet the Level 4 donation reward criteria, please email your revised donation amount and any missing apparel sizing information to Accounting Manager, Genice Chochon at gchochon@elkhornfoundation.org. In the subject line, please write, “TEAM Campaign Donation Revision.”
BONUS!
Donation Reward Levels 2-4 will be delivered in this tote!
How to make your order:
- Download & complete our form to indicate how you’d like to donate.
- Scan and email your copy to gchochon@elkhornfoundation.org or send through inter-office mail.
Important reminders & prizes:
-If you submit your donation form by 8/31/20, you can wear jeans on 9/9/20 and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Pitch Pizzeria gift card!
-All donation forms must be submitted by Friday, October 2nd.
-The 3 schools with the highest average donation will win quarterly treats!
(1 elementary school, 1 middle school, and 1 high school).
Message from Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation:
THANK YOU FOR “GETTING ON THE BUS” AND HELPING US SUPPORT OUR ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY!
Elkhorn Family Grants $17,500 in Scholarships in Memorial of Skylar Elizabeth Hunter
On Tuesday, June 30, Skylar Elizabeth Hunter’s family and peers gathered at the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation’s Alumni Center to celebrate the final year that the Hunter family will be awarding scholarships in memory of their daughter, “Sky.”
In March 2016, during her eighth-grade year at Elkhorn Grandview Middle School, Skylar Hunter tragically passed away. Devastated by their loss, her family felt strongly about immediately establishing a scholarship in her honor. The Hunter family awarded their first scholarship in April 2016 to Elkhorn High School student, Kelly Petersen.
Skylar is remembered as a kind and compassionate young woman who was involved in many activities including volleyball, basketball, chorus and band. She was also passionate about drawing, music and writing. She always loved making others laugh and had a magnetic personality.
Since Skylar would have graduated from Elkhorn High School this past May, the Hunter family decided that they would like to help as many of Skylar’s classmates as they could by awarding scholarships to assist with college expenses. This year, 27 Elkhorn High Students were selected to receive a Skylar Elizabeth Hunter Memorial Scholarship worth $500. Each scholarship recipient demonstrated compassion towards others, was actively involved in school activities and in the community, and has plans to continue his/her education at a post-secondary educational institution.
“Unfortunately, last spring we had to cancel our annual Scholarship Recognition Breakfasts. We knew how much the Hunter family was looking forward to meeting each of their scholarship recipients, and we didn’t want COVID-19 to add to their heartache; so we offered to host a private reception for their family and their current year scholarship recipients at our Alumni Center,” said Genice Chochon, Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Scholarship Coordinator and Accounting Manager.
During the afternoon reception, the Hunter family personally congratulated their scholarship recipients who shared their reminiscent stories of Skylar with her family. “It was such a special moment to bring together the Hunter family and their daughter’s former classmates. We are so incredibly thankful for the 31 scholarships worth $17,500 that the Hunter family has awarded since the inception of the Skylar Elizabeth Hunter Memorial Scholarship,” said Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. “We are inspired by the Hunter family’s generosity and wish them well as they close this chapter in their lives.”
The 27 students who received a Skylar Elizabeth Hunter Memorial Scholarship this year were: Meg Carney, Payton Cooley, Rhegan Coughlin, Abigail Dallegge, Madison Dragoo, Aubrianna Gerdes, Alexandria Gilbert, Lilian Green, Morgan Habrock, Alexis Harper, Dylan Hudgins, Evan C. Johnson, Grace Lamski, Adam Meyer, Nicholas Moresette, Alyssa Murphy, Abygail Myers, Blaise Pecquet, Ryan Schmutz, Katherine Swanson, Eden Thompson, Alexis Thomsen, Madison Thurber, Ashtyn Tridle, Madison VanWyngarden, Ethan Webster and Raegan Young.
To learn more about the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation and our scholarship program, please visit www.elkhornfoundation.org/scholarships.
Golf Fore Grants Event Raises Over $43,000 for Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Classrooms Grants Program
On Monday, July 6, over 175 participants, volunteers, and sponsors gathered for a day of golf, games, and fun at Champions Run Golf Course for our 21st annual Golf Fore Grants Tournament. This year, the Golf Fore Grants event raised over $43,000 to benefit the Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program!
Thanks to fundraising events like Golf Fore Grants, the Foundation was able to approve 73 grants totaling $160,000 for the 2020-2021 school year. Science and robotics equipment, library books, and Clear Touch Technology are a just few examples of the grants approved along with the funding of middle school play productions.
“We are grateful and humbled by the investment and time that our volunteers, sponsors, and participants have put into this event, especially in such unprecedented times,” said Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. “Thank you for helping us support our Elkhorn teachers, students, and community. We would not be able to fulfill our mission without the continuous involvement of our donors, community partners, and event participants.”
Golf Fore Grants featured a four-person 18-hole afternoon scramble which began with a noon shotgun start. Elkhorn North High School Cheerleaders, Elkhorn South High School Dance Team Members, Elkhorn Kids Campus Employees, Foundation Board Members, Foundation Friends and volunteers from Sodexo teamed up to assist with games all along the course – including opportunities to win a 2020 Alfa Romeo, PITCH Pizzeria Wine Basket, Eakes Gift Basket, Putting Green Contest, and more.
Like many other recent events, Golf Fore Grants had to be adjusted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our staff along with the staff at Champions Run Golf Course worked hard to ensure the safety of all participants. This included offering plastic cart dividers, hand sanitizer, and masks in each golf cart, while actively limiting points of contact. Our sold-out event also swapped a grill out- style lunch and buffet dinner for boxed lunches and carryout meals to ensure the comfort of all participants.
In lieu of a reception, tournament, contest, and game winners were shared online this year. The tournament team champions were Sampson Construction’s Nick Cammack, Mitchell Goering, Curtis Shipps, & Brian Gilmore. The foursome also won the event’s annual putting green contest, putting two hole-in-one shots on their first attempt. The best Golf Poker hand went to Pinnacle Bank’s Dillon Retzlaff. The full list of this year’s winners can be found here.
The Foundation is seeking additional funding for its Classroom Grants Program through its “Grant-A-Wish” campaign. This program allows donors to help “grant” the classroom funding wishes of our Elkhorn teachers and school administrators. If you would like to support the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation or find out more about classroom grants, contact Melanie Lucks at (402) 289-1727 or visit www.elkhornfoundation.org.
Did you know? The Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program directly impacts more than 9,000 students who attend the Elkhorn Public School District’s 19 schools!
Important 2020 Golf Fore Grants Event Updates
We can’t wait to see you on July 6th!
We are very excited to share that all of the foursome spots for Golf Fore Grants 2020 have been filled! Thank you for continuing to support this event!!
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we have been working with Champions Run Golf Course to adjust our event format to ensure the health and safety of our participants.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and suggested best practices, you will see a few changes at this year’s event…
- Lunch- To encourage social distancing, we will be providing a grilled brat or hamburger boxed lunch upon check-in. All participants will be advised to eat at their individual carts.
- Golf Carts- Single golf cart play will not be an option for this event. Champions will be offering a Plexiglass divider that can be placed between the driver and passenger side seat. If you would like a divider in your cart, please contact EPSF Marketing & Development Manager Melanie Lucks at mlucks@elkhornfoundation.org by Thursday, July 2nd at 4:00 P.M.
- Raffle- Raffle tickets are only available to those who purchase an eagle card package this year.
By purchasing an eagle card package, you will automatically be entered to win a Dinner & Wine Pairing for 4 at Pitch Pizzeria and a Round of Golf for 4 at Champions Run.
- Eagle Card Package and Mulligan Purchases-
Eagle Card Packages include:
-5 Raffle Tickets
-5 Mulligans
-Golf Poker Participation
-3 On-Course Games (Does not include putting green contest)
Eagle card packages must be purchased by THURSDAY, JULY 2ND AT 12:00 P.M.
We will not be selling eagle card packages in-person at the event this year. To limit hand to hand contact, we also suggest purchasing your Mulligans ahead of time through our DonorPerfect site.
- Day of Event Purchases- Cash and cards will still be accepted for beverage cart, on-course game, and mulligan purchases. All Champions staff and Foundation volunteers will be instructed to wear gloves when exchanging cash or processing credit cards.
- Scoring- To keep points of contact limited, Champions Run is encouraging golfers to keep track of their scores with the Golf Genius app, rather than paper scoring cards. We are excited to implement this change because it will also allow golfers to view real-time scoring and leaderboards while on the course! More information on how to use the Golf Genius app will be sent to golfers prior to the event.
- Dinner- To ensure your safety and comfort, we will be providing a take-home dinner option in lieu of a dinner reception.
- Flag, Tournament, and Raffle Prizes- All prizes will be personally delivered to the respective winners. Winners will be notified via SMS text message/ email.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these event adjustments, please feel free to email mlucks@elkhornfoundation.org or give us a call at (402) 289.1727. We appreciate your flexibility and are looking forward to seeing everyone next week!
Event Schedule:
Registration & Boxed Lunch – 11:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start – 12:00 p.m.
Dinner will be available for you to pick up upon returning from your last hole.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 GOLF FORE GRANTS SPONSORS!
EPSF Partners With Cox to Provide Free Wifi to Elkhorn Families in Need During School Closure
As Elkhorn Public Schools’ Temporary Distance Learning Plan continues, we are working with the school district and Cox Communications to help provide free wifi to EPS families who do not have an internet connection at home via the Cox Connect2Compete program.
Eligibility
This program is currently available to EPS families who:
- Have at least one child currently attending Elkhorn Public Schools
- Participate in the National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF or Public Housing
- Are not current Cox customers
Connect2Compete and Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation
Cox’s Connect2Compete program offers home internet service to qualifying families for $9.95 per month. For a limited time, Cox is waiving the cost of the first two months of service. They are also offering phone and remote help desk support at no cost through May 15, 2020. This program also helps families find discounted, refurbished equipment through their partnership with PCs for People.
There are no deposits or annual contracts with Connect2Compete, and installation with in-home wifi equipment is included at no additional charge.
In addition to the discounted costs and first two months free of service, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation will be funding an additional month of service to the program’s qualifying families who will need wifi during the EPS summer school program.
Sign up
To see if your family qualifies for this program and to enroll, please fill out this form that permits EPS to share your physical address with Cox. After Cox receives your information from the district, you will receive a second form that must be completed to finalize enrollment.
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is committed to helping ensure that our students can continue learning during this extended closure. If you have questions about this program, please email us at foundation@elkhornfoundation.org.
EPSF & EKC Staff Shifting to Remote Working Effective March 23rd
To help ensure the health and safety of our community, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation & Elkhorn Kids Campus staff will begin working remotely full time on Monday, March 23rd until further notice.
While our office will be closed, our staff will still be accessible by email and phone. Like many organizations, we will monitor the situation week by week and update you regularly in regards to reopening our doors and the possible rescheduling of our upcoming events. Please take a moment to follow us on Facebook to ensure you receive the most recent updates and news from EPSF and EKC.
As updates regarding COVID-19 and Elkhorn Public Schools continue, we want to emphasize that we are here to help serve our Elkhorn community in any way we can moving forward. If you have any questions regarding our closing, please feel free to email us or give us a call at (402)289.1727.
Bids 4 Kids Will Postpone to September 10, 2020, Due to COVID-19
While we always look forward to bringing the Elkhorn Public Schools community together, we have decided that postponing Bids 4 Kids is a necessary precaution to help keep our community as safe and healthy as possible.
Bids 4 Kids will now take place on September 10, 2020, from 6-9 p.m at the Elkhorn Alumni Center.
Bids 4 Kids is one of our most important fundraisers of the year. It helps us fund the extra 3,000+ hours our EPS teachers spend outside the classroom aiding the over 500 elementary students who need extra assistance in math and reading.
As of today, over 100 generous businesses and families have donated 350+ wonderful gift cards, baskets, and experiences to help benefit our cause. In the coming months, you will be able to preview some of these items on our Facebook event page and our Qtego online bidding site. We hope that you will continue to support us by attending the event or bidding from your phone on September 10.
If you purchased a B4K ticket before March 17, 2020, you can expect a full refund within 7-10 business days of March 17, 2020. If you have questions regarding your refund, feel free to email Marketing & Development Manager Melanie Lucks at mlucks@elkhornfoundation.org.
As updates regarding COVID-19 and EPS continue, we want to emphasize that we are here to help serve our EPS community in any way we can moving forward. In the meantime, please take a moment to follow us on Facebook so you can stay updated on all of the details of the event and view sneak peeks of items up for bid from our amazing donors!
We appreciate your flexibility and are looking forward to seeing you at Bids 4 Kids 2020 on September 10!