South KC Perspective
Virtual Foundation Gala
By John Sharp
The annual gala for the Hickman Mills Educational Foundation (HMEF) normally held at the Armacost Car Museum in Grandview will be virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gala, the group’s major fundraiser, will feature an online silent auction November 2-6 including sports memorabilia, gift cards, gift baskets and numerous other items.
Founded during the 2000-01 school year, the volunteer led nonprofit organization raises money for college scholarships for Ruskin High School students, grants to teachers and staff in the Hickman Mills School District for special projects to enhance student learning, and partial tuition reimbursement for Ruskin juniors and seniors taking courses for both high school and college credit who earn a B grade or better.
Since 2013, the HMEF has awarded approximately $250,000 in scholarships and grants. During the most recent school year, $28,500 in college scholarships was awarded to 37 Ruskin seniors, and teachers received grants totaling $6,300.
Often, scholarship recipients are the first in their families to attend college.
This year, the HMEF also donated $10,000 to the school district to purchase 40 portable ultraviolet sanitizers for use on shared items such as keyboards and touchscreens to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Businesses, homes associations and members of the public who wish to donate to the HMEF may contact Cheryl Farris, HMEF president, at cherylpf48@gmail.com, and such tax deductible donations can be designated for a specific purpose such as scholarships, teacher grants or tuition reimbursement. Scholarship naming opportunities also are available.