Over $177,000 Raised at GIPS Foundation’s Fourth Annual Harvest Event
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) – The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation (GIPS Foundation) is thrilled to announce the success of its fourth annual fundraising event, Harvest. Held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Riverside Golf Club, Harvest broke the organization’s fundraising records by raising more than $177,000 to support the students and staff of Grand Island Public Schools.
The night was just one example of a community coming together under one vision – that all students matter.
For over three decades, the GIPS Foundation has been committed to providing essential resources to the district through programs like Classroom Grants, Teacher of the Year, Scholarships, and Legacy Grants.
The Harvest event featured a delicious dinner, silent auction, live auction, dessert dash, and inspiring guest speakers. A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Heart of the Foundation Award to dedicated community leaders Ron and Dan Eakes. The Foundation also featured an inspiring Mission Moment presentation by speaker Brian Levander, who shared how supportive educators and mentors impacted his professional and personal life.
Colleen Williams, a former TV journalist who now runs her own digital news magazine “The Bright Side”, emceed the fundraising event.
“It was such a joy to emcee the fundraiser...Hearing people share about how Grand Island Public Schools shaped their lives was so impactful,” Williams said. “The room was full of gratitude—and you could feel just how much everyone cares about supporting the schools and giving kids the best opportunities possible,” she shared.
Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director of the GIPS Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the community's unwavering support of the students the organization helps support.
"This achievement is more than just a number,” Hooker-Leep said of the record-breaking funds raised at the event. “It’s a powerful investment in realizing the vision for our community. We are beyond grateful for the support and generosity that defined the evening,” she added. “These contributions will unlock life-changing opportunities for our greatest assets: our students,” she said.
The funds raised at Harvest will directly benefit GIPS students and teachers through the Foundation’s core initiatives:
*Advancing Compassion Programs: Supporting student well-being.
*Granting Scholarships: Providing financial support to open doors to higher education.
*Furthering Professional Education: Offering resources for continued professional development to dedicated staff.
More information about the GIPS Foundation mission and programs may be found at www.GIPSFoundation.org
.