The mission of the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence (HSFFE) is providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools (HSD) succeed. Toward that goal we have designed a sustaining sponsorship program called Shooting Stars. This elite class of donors pledge support to all the HSFFE events and programs. The continuity of these donations will have a sustaining impact on the quality of education and life in the Highline area.
Shooting Star Sponsors are listed in all publications and at our events. These donors are recognized and highlighted in our annual report, and on the website. Sustaining sponsorship also entitles donors to listing on website home page, inclusion in promotional videos and regular reference in our “Constant Contact” newsletter. An article about the donors’ company will be included in an edition of the newsletter (sent to approximately 1500 addresses) following initial pledge.
The events and programs of the HSFFE are described below and the pledge levels are detailed on the attached pages.
New Teacher/Staff Welcome Boxes: Each year the HSFFE works with the business communities of Burien, Boulevard Park, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and White Center to fill boxes for the new HSD teachers. The businesses contribute gifts; coupons and a variety of promotional materials to help new members of our community become acquainted with the area. These boxes are distributed with an overview presentation at the annual New Teacher orientation held in August.
Annual Employee Giving Campaign: Trustees of the HSFFE go to the schools in HSD each fall to provide an overview of the activities of the HSFFE and to enlist their support. This is done in conjunction with the United Way campaign and is designed to bring increased attentions to our classroom grants and scholarship programs.
Oktoberfest: As the name implies this fun event is also a fundraiser for the HSFFE. The dinner, dance, and auction is celebrated in traditional German fashion at long tables with food and drink served family style. The “over 21” party has both a silent and live auction with a limited number of items so folks can enjoy the music and merriment. Oktoberfest has traditionally reached out to HSD staff with half priced tickets and proceeds going to Excel grants and special district programs such as music and athletics.
Gifts of the Heart: This is a new event designed to recognize and thank the HSFFE major donors. We hope to bring a great deal of media attention to the event as we recognize the philanthropy of the businesses and individuals within the Highline community. Each year the HSFFE will induct donors into the Ring of Helping Hands and highlight their contributions to the community.
Project Promise: This philanthropic event focuses on making dreams come true. Donations of new and gently used prom dress, shoes, and accessories are collected, cleaned and altered for an event held in April. Select businesses donate dinners, flowers, and limo rides for a drawing to complete the package. High school liaisons select qualified young women to receive formal invitations to the event held in a hotel or other appropriate facility. Project Promise has a great deal of community support and has engaged the interest of the local press.
Gold Star Awards Luncheon: This annual event held in May is the major fundraiser for the HSFFE. Approximately 300 attendees honor the outstanding teacher, administrator, staff member, and volunteer. There is also a Lifetime Achievement award presented at this event. Proceeds from this event go directly to Excel Grants for classroom enrichment. This well-attended event features the HSD students and provides the community with the accomplishments of the Excel Grants from the previous year. The luncheon solicits corporate sponsors as well as individual donations. HSD administrator and principals attend along with local and regional government officials to network and support the HSFFE.
