Quincy Public Schools Foundation sets $250,000 goal for Dream Big fundraising campaign

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Schools Foundation announced a $250,000 goal for its annual Dream Big fundraising campaign during an event Thursday night at Quincy High School.

Alums Tim (Class of 1986) and Wendy (Class of 1987) Koontz are the honorary chairs for this year’s campaign. Superintendent Dr. Todd Pettit, QPSF Executive Director Heidi Lanier and QPSF Board President Lindsay Ertel spoke about needs within the district that are not met with tax funding, as well as about the impact the foundation has made on QPS during the last 30 years.

Instructional Coach Alison Merrill from Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School made a presentation that included students reading essays about the importance of dreaming big.

The honorees to be recognized at this year’s Night to Dream Big also were announced. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award honoree is award-winning journalist James B. Stewart, a 1969 graduate. This year’s Dream Big Award honoree is Ann Boland, a 1968 graduate. A third award will be presented to the QPS staff member or educator nominated by their peers and selected by the community during the Night to Dream Big event on Nov. 3.

This year’s campaign continues with the traditional slogan of “Dream Big” to encourage faculty and staff members to utilize their imaginations when it comes to potential areas for improvement and enhancement of learning in the Quincy Public Schools District and for students to realize their potential during their school years and beyond graduation. This year’s campaign began Aug. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2024.

This is the second Dream Big campaign for Lanier.

“I am excited to get back into campaign mode and start to generate some important funding for the foundation and Quincy Public Schools,” Lanier said. “Since stepping into my role, I continually witnessed how much support the community has for our schools. I am honored to be able to play even a small part in helping secure funding for our students and educators. This year’s honorees are going to make Night to Dream Big a night to remember, and I encourage everyone to get their tickets.”

Tickets to the Night to Dream Big Gala also went on sale Thursday. Early bird prices are $70 for an individual and $500 for a table of eight. After Oct. 13, prices increase to $80 for an individual and $550 for a table of eight. Tickets may be bought at www.qpsfoundation.org/ntdb.

More than $330,000 was distributed during the last fiscal year by the QPS Foundation to Quincy Public Schools to meet teacher and district requests for technology, curriculum, training and other program needs. Sources for funding included previous Dream Big campaigns, endowment dividends, grants and private gifts.

Gifts to the Dream Big Campaign should be made to QPS Foundation through the foundation office at Quincy High School, postal mail or the foundation’s web site, www.qpsfoundation.org. Mobile device users may donate electronically by texting “QPSF” to number 44-321. Those interested in endowment giving should contact the foundation at 217-228-7112.