(SBA) - The SBL Schools Foundation is thrilled to announce that its 2024 Big Bash and Big Give fundraising efforts have generated over $50,000 to support student scholarships and teacher grants within the SBL Community School District, while also launching a new Lunch Debt Initiative.
Annually, the Foundation allocates up to $10,000 in grants for SBL teachers to foster classroom innovation. It also provides scholarships for up to ten graduating seniors and matches a scholarship from the Kind World Foundation. Due to the success of this year's Big Give and Big Bash, the Foundation will double the ten scholarships from $1,000 to $2,000 for a second consecutive year.
Furthermore, the Foundation has established a Lunch Debt Initiative to assist students and families struggling to pay for school meals. The school district will assess needs and handle fund distribution, with the Foundation supplying funds as requested.
"We want the best for the kids in our community. Our projects ensure that students have innovative opportunities, affordable education, and access to meals without financial stress," said Erin Edlund, president of the SBL Schools Foundation.
The Big Bash, the Foundation's main fundraising event, was held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Sergeant Bluff Community Center, raising approximately $40,000 for scholarships and teacher grants. I-29 Custom Truck Parts sponsored the event. The Foundation also participated in the Siouxland Community Foundation's Big Give on Tuesday, Oct. 1, which highlights regional nonprofits through a giving day. As an affiliate, the Foundation raised over $11,000, aided by matching gifts from Pioneer Auto, Pioneer Bank, and AGP.
Angie Van Otterloo, treasurer for the SBL Schools Foundation, emphasized the vital role of community support for these events, saying, "These events succeed because local businesses and individuals step up to sponsor us year after year. We absolutely can't do this without them, and I truly hope that as people consider where they do business, they choose those who give back to this community."
Those interested in contributing to the SBL Schools Foundation can contact the Siouxland Community Foundation at 712-293-3303 or email office@siouxlandcommunityfoundation.org. Follow SBL Schools Foundation on social media for updates and more information.
