The Eudora Schools Foundation raised $59,329 in 24 hours during its fourth annual Give Day.
The foundation’s goal was to reach $65,000 on its annual give day, but the donations are still coming in, Executive Director Shanda Hurla said. Last year, the district raised about $59,000.
Hurla said the whole day was astounding.
Donations came from both inside and outside of Eudora, she said. It shows how much the district is supported, she said.
Donors were stopping by the district office all day to tell the foundation why they were donating, something that makes the day even more special, she said. The comments people left online attached to their donations also spoke to why they felt it important to support the schools.
“It’s just so amazing to know that the community comes together on one day to really see what we can do,” Hurla said. “I think our community really believes in the future of our kids, and what they can accomplish.”
Give Day helps fund projects to invest money directly back to students, like classroom grants and clubs at the middle school. This year, the foundation also hopes to contribute more money to helping prepare students for their careers, Hurla said. The district is also working on a new strategic plan, which will help the foundation come along with the schools to achieve goals.
Superintendent Stu Moeckel said the day is a testament to the support from the community for the school district.
“We’re so very fortunate that within a day they’re able to raise that amount of money,” Moeckel said. “I think it truly shows everybody’s commitment to the foundation and our schools.”
Being able to provide passionate teachers with grants to start new projects or initiatives in their classrooms is one of Moeckel’s favorite parts about these funds.
They also help get students involved by supplying middle schoolers with a wide array of enrichment clubs, which is a success for the district, he said. These funds help give every student a place, whether it’s in a fashion club, hunting club or grill club, he said.
The foundation hopes to give a grand total announcement after spring break, since donations are still coming in. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the foundation is about $3,000 away from reaching the goal, Hurla said.
The foundation is still accepting donations at this link through Friday.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]m.
