HARRISBURG, Pa. The board of directors of the Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation announced today that they had reached their fundraising goal of $389,000 in a campaign to preserve the athletic and band programs for the Harrisburg School District. The campaign was launched this past June, when these programs were targeted for cancellation in order to balance the district’s budget.
The Foundation accepted the challenge of raising the needed funds and accomplished this goal in just five months. “Our board immediately went to work” said Foundation Executive Director, Karen Snider. “Athletics and music are significant parts of our students’ educational experience, and we couldn’t let them be eliminated. We knew we could raise the money if we could make the case about how important these programs are, and it’s been gratifying to see how local businesses and individuals have stepped up to help.”
In response to phone calls, letters, news coverage and events, donations large and small came in from within and outside the district. In a show of support and camaraderie, the band from Central Dauphin High School held a car wash that raised $1,800 to support the Harrisburg High band. “I’ll never forget that gesture and act of selflessness,” said Foundation Board President, Morton Spector, as he presented a plaque of appreciation to the CD band at a concert on November 4. “And I won’t let the community forget it either.”
The Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community-based organization. The Board works in partnership with the school district, the school boards and business and community leaders to improve the quality of public education in Harrisburg. Their mission is to improve academic achievement, support programming and promote leadership and personal development of students within the Harrisburg School District by facilitating community participation and bringing together resources, financial support and volunteers.
For more information on how to support Harrisburg public schools, visit the foundation’s website, www.hbgsf.org, and the Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation Facebook page.