Virtual fundraising, actual success

While the coronavirus pandemic has affected a number of school events this year, the Grafton Education Foundation (GEF) has adapted its fundraising initiatives to continue its mission to support students and teachers.

GEF recently announced it raised about $77,000 this year after shifting its two biggest annual fundraisers to an online format.

The annual Night of Giving, the former Soupor Bowl, raised more than $50,000 in October. GEF officials said it has dedicated $11,000 from the event to purchase picnic tables to assist with outdoor learning activities.  

In August, the foundation held its annual Color Blast, raising more than $10,000. The event involved more than 150 participants and 11 sponsors who were invited to post photos online of them spraying loved ones with color packets during the run/walk event. This year’s Color Blast was in memory of Jill Ruland, a fourth-grade teacher at the former Grafton Elementary School.

In addition to the two online events, GEF’s annual Seeds to Harvest direct-mail giving campaign, raised $14,000.

In October, Jony’s Citgo in Grafton donated two cents for every gallon of gas pumped to GEF and raised $1,500.

In September, the foundation’s Portraits in the Park annual campaign invited families to Lime Kiln Park in Grafton for a professional family portrait, raising about $1,000.

In December, GEF was the beneficiary of two nights at Kapco Metal Stamping’s Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland as part of Kapco’s Charity Night. A portion of the tickets sold on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 were donated to GEF.

“Looking back on 2020, despite all the challenges and difficulties, the Grafton Education Foundation was able to come up with new ideas to keep our fundraising commitments to students, teachers and staff of the Grafton School District. Every year, they count on us to fund grants to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities for Grafton public school students in all grades,” GEF President Michelle Bigler said.

“We are so grateful to the entire Grafton community for its support of our mission and sticking with us during these uncertain times.”

Since 2011, the foundation has awarded more than $350,000 in grants. Last year, it provided more than $54,000 to Grafton schools.