February 8, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:Megan Overman, Public Information Officer
Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District
817-251-5503

Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation
Celebrates 10th Annual Giving Campaign and Grant Recipients

The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation announced $400,250 in lead gifts at its 10th Anniversary Celebration Reception on January 31 at the Colleyville Center. View photos from the reception.

The Foundation began its annual fundraising effort for 2007-2008 through contributions and a kick-off event at the Colleyville Heritage High School vs. Grapevine High School football game on November 9, 2007. Funds raised are an investment in the future and contributes toward additional innovative programs and ideas initiated by GCISD teachers and staff as well as 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 were recognized at the celebration event including:

• John T. & Janis A. Eubanks, whose generous donation of $52,500 establishes the GCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Endowment.

Other endowment patrons this year include:

• The Hook Family to fulfill the Bridges Accelerated Learning Center Endowment;
• Leon & Tracy Leal; and
• Danny & Velma Walker.
• Dr. Edith M. Pewitt contributed $10,000 to her existing endowment fund with the Foundation.

Diamond Star Donors who gave $15,000 and up include:

• Mike Davis State Farm Insurance;
• Gaylord Entertainment Foundation;
• GCISD Employees;
• Robert J. & Helen H. Glaser Family Foundation – Bob & Christine Glaser; and
• Mark & Barbara Maness/Wachovia Securities.

Platinum Star Donors gave between $10,000 and $14,999 and include:

• Classic Chevrolet/Classic Hummer;
• Colleyville Rotary Club;
• Park Place Motorcars Mid-Cities; and
• Star-Telegram.

Gold Star Donors gave between $5,000 and $9,999 and include:

• American Small Business Association in honor of Neva Frymire;
• Central Market H·E·B – Southlake;
• Kevin & Kathy Doody;
• The Firefly Trust;
• Tom & Lisa Hall;
• Mark & Carol Howe – Howe/Wood & Company;
• Huckabee Community Excellence Fund of the Community Foundation of North Texas;
• Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, L.L.P.; and
• Randy White Team.

Silver Star Donors gave between $2,500 and $4,999 and include:

• Bates Container;
• Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine;
• Brackett & Ellis, Attorneys at Law;
• Citibank Texas – Grapevine;
• The Colleyville Courier & The Grapevine Courier;
• Dallas City Bank;
• Hank Dickerson & Company;
• GCISD PTAs & PTSAs;
• Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center;
• Humphrey & Associates;
• LegacyTexas Bank;
• Charlie & Rose Miller – Southwest Assurance Group;
• NorthStar Bank;
• Premier Bank Texas;
• Helen Jean Lucas Reed; and
• United Community Bank.

Special awards were also presented.

• Cannon Elementary School faculty and staff - “Star Campus” award for the top fundraising campus during the employee giving campaign;
• Keith Witt, Manager of GCISD Printing Services - “Star Employee” award for his commitment to the Foundation’s mission and all GCISD and community organizations.
• Colleyville Rotary Club - “Star Volunteer” award for dedicated service and support of the Foundation. Over the past four years, the proceeds of their annual Masquerade Ball have benefited the Foundation.
• In addition, Bear Creek Elementary, Heritage Middle School and Bridges Accelerated Learning Center were announced as having completed their campus endowments.
• Also honored at this event were the 2007-2008 Star Teaching Grant Recipients; more than 100 teachers have benefited from over $70,000 in grants awarded so far this school year.

Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation President Don Johnston 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 providing 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 ten years, the Foundation has raised two-and-a-quarter million dollars; established an endowment fund of over $860,000; and funded 435 projects, distributing more than $700,000 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.