Tickets are now on sale for the 24th annual USD 428 Education Foundation dinner that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Great Bend Convention Center.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling the District Education Center, 793-1500.
“We’re shaking things up a bit this year and moving back toward our roots,” said Jennifer Schartz, USD 428 public information director.
In the early years, the fundraiser was a gourmet dinner, but for the past few years it has been more casual and has included live and silent auctions.
“We’ve taken the best of both ideas and I think we have come up with something pretty special,” Schartz said. “It will be a fine-dining experience with china, real linens and fresh flowers and a very nice catered buffet.”
The theme for the evening is Boots, Bling and Beer and will allow for women to dress in upscale country bling if they like, while the men can just dress in jeans and boots.
The evening will feature a beer tasting during the 6:30 p.m. social. Six different micro-brewed beers from Gella’s in Hays will be available for sampling. Flavors include Pumpkin Ale, American Wheat, Oatmeal Stout, IPA, Pale Ale and Brown Ale.
The Education Foundation opted to seek sponsors for the evening to help with fund raiser rather than have an auction. Those businesses stepping up to the plate include Great Bend Regional Hospital, Stueder Contractors, Venture Corporation and Wheatland Electric Co-op.
There will be one item available in a silent auction. The two-piece wooden beverage cooler was constructed by the Mass Production class at Great Bend High School. The class is taught by Travis Straub.
The evening will conclude with entertainment by the GBHS Madrigal Pops Singers under the direction of Susan Stambaugh.
During the past 24 years, the Education Foundation has awarded more than a quarter of a million dollars to teachers in the form of minigrants. Teachers apply for the grants to provide educational opportunities outside the normal funding stream for their students.
Members of the foundation include Tricia Reiser, president; Kevin Mauler, MelEesa Stueder, Molly Hildebrand, Annalee Crotinger, Kim Mitchell and Bob Hiss. Tickets may also be purchased from any foundation member.