The USD 428 Education Foundation’s Building for the Future Campaign has raised $54,034 to date for classroom furniture at the new Little Panthers Preschool. These and other contributions were approved by the school board on Monday. A $10,000 contribution comes with naming rights to one classroom.

Total contributions to date:

• USD 428 Education Foundation - $20,000 Matching Funds 

• Dan and Alicia Lear and Family - $10,000 Classroom Sponsor 

• McCownGordon Construction - $10,000 Classroom Sponsor 

• University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus - $10,000 Classroom Sponsor 

• Perry & Krista Smith Foundation - $2,500 

• United Way of Central Kansas - $1,000 

• Great Bend Children’s Fund - $534

The board also approved two reward incentive contributions from the Main Street Pizza Hut for fundraiser nights. Drama Club received  $667.11 and the Class of 2025 Prom Fund received $550.75.

The noon Lions Club donated $100 to the GBHS Madrigals group. 

The Class of 1952 donated $645 to Park Elementary for unpaid student meals. 

Area businesses contributed funds through the USD 428 Education Foundation to support the 2024 Great Bend Reading Initiative Community Scavenger Hunt. Area businesses supporting the initiative were: 

• Bauer Pike Law - $100 

• Equity Bank - $100 

• First Kansas Bank - $100 

• First United Methodist Church of Great Bend - $100 

• Great Bend Recreation Commission - $100 

• Great Bend Tribune - $100 

• Stueder Contractors - $100 

• Watkins Calcara, Chtd. - $100