Join in District 214's day of giving campaign
Elk Grove High School alumna Cassidy Hamilton knew exactly what to say when asked why she loved High School District 214.
The 2015 graduate says she was able to take many Advanced Placement courses that challenged her to do her best and, moreover, prepared her for success. She entered the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with nearly 35 credits already under her belt, allowing her to graduate a semester early with a degree in wildlife ecology.
Her story, shared in anticipation of the District 214 Education Foundation's inaugural #Love214 campaign, is among many already contributed by alumni and former parents who expressed their gratitude for the district and its staff.
#Love214 is a 24-hour day of giving scheduled for Valentine's Day, a day falling on, appropriately, 2/14. The foundation hopes to raise at least $6,000 through the campaign - a sum that could fund 60 Advanced Placement tests to empower early college credits for students who cannot afford the $100 exam; send 150 first-generation students and parents to college campuses; and more.
The online campaign, based heavily on social media with an online giving site tracking donations in real time, encourages alumni, parents, former parents and community members to support student success, innovation and lifelong learning beyond the limitations of conventional funding for public education.
Donations up to $4,000 will be generously matched at 50 cents on the dollar by members of the District 214 Education Foundation board of trustees.
Donors can visit 214foundation.org/love214 to give directly. While the campaign is focused on the 24 hours of Valentine's Day, the portal is open now for giving. Also, as part of the effort, the foundation is asking individuals to share stories of why they #Love214, tagging the foundation and district on social media and sharing with friends.
The campaign replaces Giving Tuesday, a national online day of giving in November, and also replaces the foundation's annual online auction.
"We wanted to try something that did a better job telling our story and sharing our mission," said Tom Munz, chairman of the foundation board.
"We felt doing it on 2/14, and discussing the things that make this district great, would be inspiring and appropriate as we look to continue to support our students and our schools."
The idea was suggested by a foundation board member last summer, Munz said, and it quickly took root, gaining support from many who liked the date tie-in.
The foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, and gifts are tax-deductible. The foundation in the last year has funded grants for educators developing innovative curriculum; college visits for first-generation students and their parents; Advanced Placement tests scholarships that fueled tens of thousands of dollars in earned college credit; the expansion of the district's Career Pathways program, including funding toward the new law and equity pathway and opportunities in entrepreneurship and business; financial assistance for students' postsecondary and high school success; enrichment and dual credit transcription opportunities for in-need students; emergency needs; and more.