Lights for Learning 2011-2012
History of Teacher Mini Grants: Since 2005, the Otsego County Community Foundation Education
Committee has awarded over $37,000 to educators throughout our county in the form of teacher mini grants. To see what we have done to date, click here.
Short-Term Goals: Teacher/School Staff Appreciation project to raise funds for Mini Grants while building awareness of the Community Foundation throughout the school systems.
Long-Term Goal: Endowed education fund for Otsego County.
Project Overview: From November 28 through December 19, a $5 donation will honor an educator, classmate, or community member. The names of those honored will be on “Lights for Learning” displays in each school. The honoree or their family will receive a special certificate letting them know they were honored. All of our “bright lights” will be recognized by a community-wide reading of the names on WMJZ Eagle 101.5 during the week of December 19th through the 24th.
All proceeds fund the Teacher Mini Grants for Educators in Otsego County. Look for forms and flyers in newsletters and at parent teacher conferences. Lights can be purchased at area schools, Dunn’s Business Solutions and Saturn Booksellers.
Lights for Learning is made possible through collaboration between the Otsego County Community Foundation and your school, as well as our sponsors Dunn’s Business Solutions, Saturn Booksellers and WMJZ Eagle 101.5.
“Stand Up For Education” event 2010, Gaylord, Michigan
Nearly 400 students and adults came to the “Stand Up For Education” event last year, under the pavilion in Gaylord. “It was a fun environment for learning and it raised over $4,000.00 for teacher - class room mini-grants that were awarded in Otsego County” said Peter Handley M.D., Education Committee Chairperson. Annually the Otsego County Community Foundation sponsors the “Stand Up for Education” event. The objective is to start the school year off right with a great learning experience for our children and, to raise money for classroom mini-grants for unbudgeted education opportunities.
The event this year will be held on Thursday, September 16th from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., under the Pavilion in downtown Gaylord. It will feature interactive educational activities, food, and school district information. All food items are .50c.
This year the Otsego County Community Foundation is taking a leadership role in providing an opportunity for all school districts in Otsego County to secure their own financial security. Districts that participate will have an opportunity to create the framework for endowment funds through the foundation. With time and investment, our schools will rely on their own financial investment to fund teacher/student classroom needs.
In 2009 the foundation awarded over $4000.00 classroom mini-grants for schools in Otsego County. All of the funding for the grants was derived from the “Stand Up for Education” event. “Our goal is to use your community foundation to create sustainable endowments that will continue to serve and strengthen the educational experience of all Otsego County students. However, while we build the endowment, we’ll continue to support education in Otsego County with the hard work of the committee and terrific generosity of the business and professional community. We believe “Stand Up For Education” is an important event for Otsego County schools and children”, states Dr. Handley.
"Stand Up For Education" 2010 Sponorship List
- Gaylord Downtown Development Authority
- Great Northern Rentals
- University Center at Gaylord
- Cygnet Counseling
- Paxton Resources
- Bensinger, Cotant & Menkes, P.C.
- Aflac – Kris Horton
- Dan Smith, CPA
- Gaylord Community Schools
- Saturn Booksellers
- Jay’s Sporting Goods
- Otsego Christian School
- Fraternal Order of Eagles 1825
- Smith Realty Group
FOOD AND PRODUCT DONORS
Alpine Chocolate Haus
Biggby Coffee of Gaylord
Jet’s Pizza
La’s Senorita of Gaylord
Little Caesars
Save-A Lot
Wright & Filippis, Inc.
Gordon Foods