By Abby Walton
Budgets are tight for school districts around the state, leaving little room for extra things like field trips or purchasing new technology. That’s why organizations like the Zionsville Education Foundation are so important to a school’s well-being.
ZEF Executive Director Tracy Phillips said the goal of the foundation is to “serve the local community by providing funds that promote academic excellence.”
In 2012, the ZEF granted more than $85,000 in unrestricted funds to ZCS teachers, students and staff.
“All the funds raised go straight into the classroom in the form of classroom grants, professional development grants for teachers and staff, student enrichment grants for exemplary after school academic clubs and matching of DonorChoose.org grants for ZCS schools,” Phillips said.
To be able to give out those grants, the ZEF needs to raise money. Besides donations and endowments, the ZEF holds two fundraisers each year. Coming up on Nov. 2, the ZEF is holding its annual Fall Frolic.
“We like to think of it as a grown-up tailgate,” Phillips said. “Fall Frolic is casual, allowing our guests to enjoy gourmet treats either walking around or visiting with friends and neighbors.” There will also be silent and live auctions for people to participate in. The auctions will be powered by Qtego online auction bidding so people can bid through their smart phones. If you’d like to take a look at the auction items before the Fall Frolic, go to www.qtego.net/auc/zef.
While Fall Frolic is meant to be a fun evening, the ZEF also wants to let donors know where their money goes.
“The highlight of the evening is when ZEF grant recipients tell guests about the impact their donations made through the programs ZEF funded,” Phillips stated.
Fall Frolic
6:30 to 11 p.m. Nov. 2
Indianapolis Executive Airport ,11329 E. Ind. 32., Zionsville
Tickets are $100 per person ($50 is tax deductible) and tables of 10 are encouraged.
Festive fall attire
Tickets can be purchased by calling the ZEF office at 733-4805 or by visiting www.zionsvilleeducationfoundation.org.
