GIPS Foundation Celebrates 21st Annual Staff Campaign Results

Grand Island, NE – May 14, 2024– The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation proudly announced the remarkable results of its 21st annual "Add it Up to Opportunity!" staff and board members fund drive during a news conference held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13. The event took place at the prestigious Bill Marshall/Five Points Bank Champions Hall, within the iconic Memorial Stadium/Jack Martin Field, symbolizing over two decades of unwavering dedication and support from the GIPS staff.

With gratitude, the GIPS Foundation acknowledged the outstanding generosity of its staff, who presented 9,990 reasons to invest in student opportunities. A significant highlight of this year's campaign was the heartfelt gesture from Cheryl and Douglas Jensen who provided a $5,000 challenge gift. Their pledge served as a matching fund for all new and increased contributions towards the 2024 "Add it Up to Opportunity" Staff Campaign. Cheryl and Douglas have been involved with the Grand Island Public Schools since 1971. Cheryl as a Title 1 Perceptual Motor Specialist and Elementary Physical Education Teacher and Douglas as a Speech/Language Pathologist, Program Coordinator of Special Education at the Secondary Level, and a Grand Island Senior High Administrator.

The Foundation has given Cheryl and Douglas many memorable experiences. Cheryl and Douglas have had the opportunity to participate in nearly all of the committees associated with the Foundation and to see the impact it has provided the students and staff of the Grand Island Public Schools. Cheryl was able to see a teacher selected as a Legendary Educator that she helped nominate. Douglas personally saw the results of the Foundation’s recognition when he was awarded Administrator of the Year in his final year as Grand Island Senior High Principal.

The Jensen’s note that the Foundation is a vehicle for change that supports not only the students at all levels within the district but also the people who keep our facilities clean, work as aides, teach, and administrate. It is important to do those things that bring you joy, and supporting innovative teachers and their students brings us joy.

Running from March 25 to April 22, the campaign witnessed remarkable engagement, with a 85% participation rate. Together, the staff and board members of Grand Island Public Schools and the GIPS Foundation raised an impressive $91,183.59.

The proceeds from the campaign will further enrich Foundation programs, including the Academic Aristocrat Scholarship and Teacher of the Year initiatives. Additionally, the funds will bolster Foundation operations, endowment efforts, and the Classroom Grant program. During the 2022-2023 school year alone, the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation invested an extraordinary $1,418,061 into various programs, scholarships, and grants benefiting students.

For more information about the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation and its initiatives, please visit gipsfoundation.org