QPS Foundation to be host of 10th annual ‘Night to Dream Big’ on Nov. 4

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Schools Foundation will be the host of the 10th annual “Night to Dream
Big” gala at the Ambiance in Quincy from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

A Night to Dream Big is the largest fundraising event in the foundation’s annual campaign, which was launched Wednesday, Sept. 14 and runs through January 13, 2023, with a fundraising goal of $200,000. This year’s Dream Big campaign is chaired by QHS alumni Todd and Michelle Moore from the Class of 1982.

The evening include a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auction, cash raffle sponsored by Architechnics and musical entertainment by the local band Gypsy Tango Foxtrot.

Three people will be honored at the event. The Dream Big Award is being bestowed posthumously upon Richard “Dick” Heitholt. The award is presented to a small, distinguished group of people, each of whom have shown an outstanding level of support for the Quincy Public Schools. Heitholt was the principal of Quincy High School for 25 years and was credited for helping to launch “Education by Choice” in Quincy.

Ryan Jude Tanner, a 1997 graduate, will receive the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award for his many accomplishments as an award-winning Broadway veteran and local business owner.

The final honoree will be a teacher or staff member of the QPS district, nominated by their peers and voted on by the community. The Dream Big Staff Choice Award winner will be announced at the gala.

Tickets for the event are on sale now. Early bird prices for tickets are $65/individual or $500/table of eight. After Oct. 24, ticket prices increase to $75/individual and $550/table of eight. A link to buy the tickets can be found at qpsfoundation.org. Tickets also may be bought by calling the foundation office at 217-228-7112.

In the last fiscal year alone, endowment dividends and board designated funds provided more than $140,000 in support for the QPS district through the QPSF grant program to meet teacher and districts requests for technology, curriculum, training and other program needs. Contributors to funding for the QPS district include previous Dream Big campaigns, grants and private gifts.

The mission of the Quincy Public Schools Foundation is to acquire and distribute financial and other resources for the enrichment of academic programs and other projects aimed at fulfilling the mission of the Quincy Public School District.

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 may contact the foundation office at 217-228-7112 to request more information.