District 230 Foundation Hoops Fundraiser
Originally published February 1, 2015 (Submission copy)
Many of you are aware that there are three high schools that comprise Consolidated High School District 230 – Amos Alonzo Stagg, Carl Sandburg, and Victor J. Andrew. These three schools reach towns from as far south as Tinley Park; and as far north as Willow Springs and Hickory Hills; to the east into Oak Forest; with the western boundary being Will-Cook Road. That is quite a large area (approximately 73 square miles miles) to cover!
How does one bring these three schools from such a vast expanse together? One group, the District 230 Foundation, does a great job of creating unity within the district. At various events, the Foundation hosts programs that bring the community at large together.
As explained, “The District 230 Foundation is a partnership between community volunteers and school leaders to provide educational opportunities and services for students beyond what the typical budget can fund. The Foundation provides grants that bring teachers’ creative ideas to life for students, as well as scholarships to graduating seniors from Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew High Schools”.
To raise funds, The Foundation hosts an annual golf outing, with last year’s attendance of 120 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park; Second City Performances, which annually sell out at the schools in which they appear; along with other fundraising events – in an effort to provide educational opportunities beyond the traditional means. As found on their website, “Overall, the Foundation has provided more than $100,000 in grants over a five-year span.” That is quite impressive.
The Foundation also inducts new members into the District’s Legacy Hall, which recognizes outstanding alumni who have used their education and experience to become successful, positive contributors to society. Some pretty recognizable names are on that list, including: Katie Eberling, Stagg High School (Class of 2006), USA Bobsled Team Member; Bill Rancic, Sandburg High School, (Class of 1989) Television personality and businessman; and Christine Magnuson, Andrew High School (Class of 2004) Two-time Silver Medalist and U.S. Olympic Swimmer. The list of inductees can be seen on their website: http://www.d230foundation.org/legacyhall.html
In an effort to change things up and keep their fundraising approach fresh, this year the Foundation is hosting “The Final Event” which is a viewing event for the NCAA Basketball Semi-final games played during the event! This fundraiser will take place starting at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4th, at the Homewood Suites Elements at 16245 South LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Check the website at www.d230foundation.org to purchase tickets online; or call Carla Erdey, Director of Communications for Consolidated High School District 230 at: (708) 745-5222 for further details.
I spoke with Ann Oliver, President of the current District 230 Foundation, and Board member for the last seven years. She provided, “The event promises to be a fun evening with big screen TVs covering the Semi-final NCAA action, and games played during this event. Unlimited food and drinks for $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Anyone over 21 is welcome. Guests can come and go as they wish. Our Super Raffle has exciting odds and prizes, and will be the highlight of the halftime during the 2nd game. Only 1,000 Super Raffle tickets will be sold, and half are sold already!” The first place prize will be $10,000, which “could take you somewhere warm!” – according to their brochure!
When asked why this particular event was chosen for this year, Ms. Oliver said that they had brought in someone to develop strategic goals, and asked community members, school principals, and other board members for their input on how they can improve and provide over and above what they have been doing. Since this is such a sports based community, the Final Event for the NCAA basketball games seemed like a clear winner for an event!
Ms. Oliver added, “We have an energetic committee comprised of volunteers from all three schools. This is an event that is fun to plan, and will make an exciting sports event even better!”
If you would like to support the work of the Foundation, join them at an event, make a donation, and join their mailing list.
The District 230 Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization; therefore contributions are tax deductible in accordance with the law.