D58 Freddy Jones Band Fundraiser Nets District $10,000

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This year’s Entertainment for Education fundraiser for the , a nearly sold-out Freddy Jones Band concert at the , raised nearly $10,000 to benefit the schools of Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

In addition to several hours of music, the evening featured a split-the-pot raffle, as well as a raffle for an electric guitar autographed by the band, which was won by Belle Aire parent Ray Roche.

“We were thrilled with the turnout and the immense amount of support shown to the Foundation and to the students of District 58,” said Foundation President Jay Stocki.

Entertainment for Education is one of the two major annual fundraisers for the District 58 Education Foundation, an independent non-profit corporation established in 2002 to obtain and distribute financial and other resources for the enhancement of education programs at the 13 schools of District 58.

Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has brought in more than $350,000 for District 58 schools, which it has donated back primarily in the form of classroom and building grants for technology innovation, curriculum enrichment and staff development. This year, the Foundation gave away $40,000 in grants; projects and purchases included AnyBook Readers, iPads, and Wii karaoke to boost reading fluency.

The Foundation also sponsors the Select 58 awards honoring eighth graders for service to their school and community; Distinguished Service Awards for staff; Sneak Preview for incoming seventh graders; and the annual new teacher welcome luncheon.

In addition to the spring Entertainment for Education, the Foundation raises funds through a fall circus fundraiser and donations from staff, parents, businesses and community members.