Grab some friends, sport your favorite college-themed gear, and join us for a fun night of paddle. New this year is the “party” option for the injured or non-paddle players- join us! Enjoy great raffle prizes, food, beverages, and some friendly competition. All skill levels are welcome to join. Similarly leveled players will be matched together in a rotating round-robin style tournament. This is a fantastic event that sells out – save the date and join us! Proceeds will benefit our D39 schools by funding projects that expand, enrich, and complement educational opportunities for the students, staff, and community. Tickets go on sale October 1st at 10am at d39foundation.org.
Another Successful Family Movie Night in the Books!
Thank you to our beloved historical Wilmette Theatre for hosting a fun family night out to benefit the foundation! With delicious concessions in hand families grabbed seats to sold out showings of the heart warming movie “IF” starring Ryan Reynolds. This fun event helped raise money for future Gripp Grants! Thank you to the D39 Community for making the evening such a success!
Congratulations to Elizabeth Good and family who were our lucky 50/50 raffle winners! They won half of the funds we raised on raffle ticket sales as well as a Wilmette Theatre Family Movie Night Gift Certificate!
Stay tuned for info on future Family Movies Nights!
Pickleball Was a Success!!
D39 Educational Foundation hosted our inaugural Dinkin for a Cause on April 27th! Thank you to all participants who came out to support D39! Fifty players competed in a fun tournament for all skill levels. The event raised over $3000 which will fund new Gripp Grants that bring innovative educational opportunities to our D39 students!
Foundation Awards 2 Spring Gripp Grants Totaling $44,325
This spring the D39 Educational Foundation awarded two Gripp Grants totaling $44,325.
One grant was awarded to the Highcrest Middle School technology department in the amount of $19,517 for a Class VR. The other grant was awarded to all 4 elementary schools in the amount of $24,808 for Logitech Crayons. These Gripp Grants will provide innovative educational opportunities for our D39 students.
We Need Volunteers!
Community is vital. The D39 Educational Foundation’s mission is to both grant funds to benefit D39 students, teachers and staff AND to build community across our enrollment area. Many hands make light work, so we are looking for active volunteers to serve on the foundation’s board of trustees, starting with the 2024-25 school year. Trustees plan events, market foundation activities, and seek worthy initiatives to fund in the district. We also need trustees interested in tracking finances and graphic design. The board meets one evening a month from September – May. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Julie Hanahan at jrhanahan@gmail.com for more info.
Family Night BINGO 2024
The District 39 Educational Foundation hosted a fun-filled Family Bingo Night on Friday, February 9th. Over 220 game enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed the masterful calling of our MCs, Dave Lundy and Michael Lieber, and had many opportunities to joyfully shout “BINGO!”
Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and participants, lots of lucky winners enjoyed choosing from an awesome prize table. The Big Tomato provided delicious pizza and salad options. Family Bingo Night raised over $4,000 which will help fund new, innovative educational programs and experiences for District 39 students.
Thank you to our D39 community members for another fantastic event!
College Paddle Night January 2024
Another successful College Paddle Night, hosted by D39 Educational Foundation, is in the books! Thank you to all participants who came out to support D39 wearing their college gear and ready to play paddle! Sixty-four players competed in a fun round-robin style tournament for all skill levels. This year’s event featured 12 fabulous raffle prizes – from paddle gear and lessons to fitness and wellness bundles – as well as great food and drinks. We extend a big thank you to our generous sponsors, local businesses, and volunteers. College Paddle Night raised more than $7,000, which will fund new Gripp Grants that bring innovative educational opportunities to D39 students.
Thank you to our participants and partners for another successful and fun event!
Foundation Awards 2 Fall Gripp Grants Totaling $5,201.81
This fall the D39 Educational Foundation awarded two Gripp Grants totaling $5,201.81.
One grant was awarded to the Highcrest Middle School orchestra department for StringRise instruments. The other grant was awarded to Romona Elementary for permanent and traveling communication boards. These Gripp Grants will provide innovative educational opportunities for our D39 students.
Foundation Awards a Gripp Grant Totaling $6,704 to Highcrest Math Teachers
This spring the D39 Educational Foundation awarded a Gripp Grant totaling $6,704 to Highcrest Middle School math teachers. This Gripp Grant will provide innovative educational opportunities for our 5th and 6th grade students in D39.
Family Movie Night made a triumphant return on Friday, April 14th!
The D39 Educational Foundation and Wilmette Theatre hosted a full house of D39 families with two SOLD OUT shows! Both shows brought cheerful crowds, some even dressing up in their best Mario Bros. gear to celebrate the blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie!
[Read more…] about Family Movie Night made a triumphant return on Friday, April 14th!Screen Printing Experience Brought to WJHS Art Students
On March 9th, the 8th grade Wilmette Junior High School students were visited by a guest lecturer, professional artist Jay Ryan.
BINGO Night Was Fun For All!
The District 39 Educational Foundation hosted a fun-filled Family Bingo Night on Friday, February 10th. Over 220 game enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed the masterful calling of our MC, Mr. Dave Lundy, and had many opportunities to joyfully shout “BINGO!”
[Read more…] about BINGO Night Was Fun For All!College Paddle Night 2023
The District 39 Educational Foundation hosted a very successful College Paddle Night on Saturday, January 28th. Players joined with enthusiasm wearing their college alma mater and ready for some friendly competition – despite snow, slush, and cold temps!
[Read more…] about College Paddle Night 2023Foundation Awards Three Fall Gripp Grants Totaling $10,026
Three Fall Gripp Grants totaling $10,026 were awarded to our D39 schools which will have a positive impact on our students. These grants will provide innovative opportunities for a range of students in our elementary schools and at Highcrest Middle School.
10th Annual Trivia Night Was a Success!
The District 39 Educational Foundation’s 10th annual trivia night was held as an in-person event for the first time in two years on November 12th. The popular fundraiser was considered a huge success with over $12,000 raised and more than 220 people in attendance!
[Read more…] about 10th Annual Trivia Night Was a Success!Foundation Awards Two Spring Gripp Grants Totaling $15,519
Two Spring Gripp Grants totaling $15,519 were awarded to 12 teachers across all four elementary schools and will benefit students from our earliest learners in the Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) through fourth grade. The grants address both the need for kids to move their bodies in new and innovative ways, as well as to learn and practice literacy in the digital world.
Cheers & Beers 2022
Cheers and Beers Party Brings the Community Together
Oh, what a night! The District 39 Educational Foundation hosted its very first Cheers & Beers party this spring at Double Clutch Brewing Company in Evanston. Sponsored by North Shore Community Bank, this event featured live music, dancing, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a silent auction and raffle to raise money for the Foundation’s Gripp Grants program.
[Read more…] about Cheers & Beers 2022Paddle Classic 2022
On a particularly chilly night perfectly suited for paddle tennis, the District 39 Educational Foundation held its first ever Paddle Classic on Saturday, March 12th, from 7-10 pm at the Wilmette Platform Tennis Club. This was the first in-person event sponsored by the foundation since the start of the pandemic and it was a great success! After two years of virtual events, it was a joy to mingle with fellow district parents while supporting the foundation’s mission.
[Read more…] about Paddle Classic 2022Celebrating the Unexpected & Rewarding Moments During Covid-19
In the spring of 2021, the D39 Educational Foundation launched Silver Lining Project. D39 students and families were asked “What is your Silver Lining?” The goal was to find and share the positive amongst the unknown of COVID-19.
[Read more…] about Celebrating the Unexpected & Rewarding Moments During Covid-19Foundation Awards Two Spring Gripp Grants
Two Spring Gripp Grants totaling $8,705 were awarded to 12 teachers, library professionals, and administrators, which will positively impact every student in the District by addressing needs encompassing those resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic.