Nov. 14, 2006

Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation launches annual giving campaign   
(click on each photo for a larger view)        

The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation announced $295,000 in lead gifts at its eighth annual fund campaign kick-off breakfast on Nov. 8 at the Lancaster Theatre in Grapevine.  The mayors and city councils of Colleyville, Euless and Grapevine proclaimed the day “Grapevine-Education Education Foundation Day.”           

The Foundation is now beginning its annual fundraising effort for 2006-2007 through contributions and events.  This investment in the future contributes toward additional innovative programs and ideas initiated by GCISD teachers and staff and academic recognition for teachers and students.  Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation Executive Director Janice Kane said, “Community support is critical to maintaining high academic standards for our students.  Some community members have generously stepped forth to begin our campaign efforts; however, all community members are encouraged to give to the Foundation during the annual campaign.”           

Lead Donors for this year’s drive include $37,158 raised from GCISD employees, a 46% increase over 2005-06; endowment donations totaling $50,000, with $10,000 each from Dr. Edith M. Pewitt, Steve and Mary Humphrey, Chuck and Patti Irwin, John and Janice Kane, and Jon and Dana McCormick for Timberline Elementary School; Platinum Star Donors - $60,000 from Classic Chevrolet/Hummer, $10,000 from Central Market, $10,000 from Colleyville Rotary Club, $10,000 from Gaylord Entertainment Foundation, and $10,000 from the Star-Telegram;  Gold Star Sponsors - $7,500 from Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP, $6,000 from the Robert J. and Helen H. Glaser Family Foundation, $5,000 from John and Janis Eubanks, and $5,000 from the Huckabee Community Excellence Fund of the Community Foundation of North Texas; and Silver Star Donors - $4,000 from Citibank Texas, $3,750 from NorthStar Bank, $3,250 from Mark and Barbara Maness and Wachovia Securities, $3,050 combined gift from the local PTAs, $3,000 from Centex Homes, $3,000 from Mike Davis State Farm Insurance, $3,000 from RBC Capital Markets, $2,750 from Brackett and Ellis, Attorneys at Law, and $2,500 each from Baylor Regional Hospital Center at Grapevine, The Grapevine Courier/Colleyville Courier, Tom and Lisa Hall, LegacyBank Texas, Place Motorcars Mid-Cities, Peoples Bank, United Community Bank and Verizon.           

Special awards were also presented.  The “Star Campus” award went to the Grapevine High School faculty and staff as the top fundraising campus during the employee campaign and for successfully surpassing the goal to complete their campus endowment; the “Star Employee” award to Billie Tuttle, librarian at Heritage Middle School, for her commitment to the Foundation’s mission.  In addition to Grapevine High School, Dove Elementary and Heritage Elementary were announced as having completed their campus endowments.  The “Star Volunteer” award was presented to the GCISD PTAs and PTSAs for tremendous service and support since the Foundation’s beginning.           

Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation President Mary Humphrey said, “Most Texas school districts no longer have funds for programs and projects that exceed minimum needs and requirements.  The role of the Education Foundation is more important than ever, with private dollars necessary to continue to provide an excellent education for our children.”           

The non-profit 501(c)(3) Foundation was formed in 1998 to receive tax-exempt donations to enrich offerings in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.  In just seven years, the Foundation has funded 290 projects, distributing more than $535,000 to GCISD, affecting more than half the teachers and all the students.  Teachers who have received this funding initiated programs to benefit GCISD children, have expanded their knowledge and resources and even provided materials for students to use with their parents at home.           

The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation will accept gifts of cash, property, insurance and will bequests, as well as in-kind products and services.  All donations are tax-deductible.  Foundations may be sent to the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation, P. O. Box 292, Grapevine, TX  76099.           

For more information about the Foundation or to invite a Foundation director to speak to your organization or group, please contact Janice Kane, Executive Director, at 817/251-5480 or email janice.kane@gcisd.net.