The Plano ISD Education Foundation is proud to announce that its “Ski Plano 2010” fundraiser enjoyed another record-setting year for underwriting and net proceeds. Surpassing its goal of $200,000, Ski Plano 2010 was a huge success.

Lisa Raskin, Foundation board member and Ski Plano chair, reported that 700 guests donned their favorite winter sweaters, scarves and vests on January 30 to join friends and colleagues at Southfork Ranch Lodge in support of the Foundation. Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing to the Mars Hill Band. Proceeds from Ski Plano 2010 underwriting, auctions and raffle sales will benefit the Foundation's programs for Plano ISD students, teachers and schools.

Plano ISD Education Foundation President Beth Webb took to the stage to welcome guests. She also drew Avalanche raffle prize winners on stage throughout the evening. All four Avalanche raffle prizes were provided by Neiman Marcus Willow Bend.

A live surprise raffle included mugs decorated by Plano Family Literacy participants which sold at $100 each. One lucky winner had a coupon in his/her mug good for a copy of Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager’s book, Read All About It!, autographed by the former First Lady. Among the fabulous live auction items at the event was a Lexus Sampler Package (drive a different Lexus every month for a year).

State Representative Brian McCall served as event emcee throughout the evening. Also among the stage presenters was Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto, who introduced a video showcasing Plano ISD students and teachers and the many programs funded by the Plano ISD Education Foundation.

The firm of Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts returned this year as Ski Plano’s top “Aspen Sponsor.” “Vail Sponsors” included Capital One, Texas Instruments, Innovative Solutions for Education, Pogue Construction, SHW Group, Verizon, Ebby Halliday Realtors and Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Joplin, P.C.

Where the Money Goes

Plano ISD Education Foundation’s mission is to help all students in Plano public schools achieve their full potential by providing financial support for educators and programs. The Foundation’s goal is to help fill the funding gap to continue providing academic excellence.

Each year the Foundation gifts approximately $1 million to Plano ISD to support district-wide programs that make a difference, such as:

- Grants to teachers and schools to enhance the instruction of our students.

- Funding pilot programs that hold the promise of bridging student achievement gaps and ensuring all students are college-ready.

- Supporting initiatives that recruit, retain and recognize the very best educators.

- Funding programs that enhance the math and science curriculum and other programs.

- 700 scholarships for 5th grade science camp.

About The Plano ISD Education Foundation

The Plano ISD Education Foundation – http://www.pisd.edu/foundation – is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with the mission to generate private support for priority projects identified by Plano ISD not funded by tax dollars. The Foundation provides grants to educators, programs that support academic enrichment to Plano ISD students, emergency assistance for teachers and staff members in crisis, as well as programs aimed at recruiting and retaining quality teachers. To learn more about the Plano ISD Education Foundation or to make a donation, contact Executive Director Monica Shortino at 469-752-8091.

About PlanoIndependentSchool DistrictThe PlanoIndependentSchool District (Plano ISD) – http://www.pisd.edu/ – endeavors to foster the highest level of student learning. The mission of Plano ISD is to provide an excellent education for all students. Plano ISD is located 20 miles north of Dallas, Texas and serves the residents of approximately 100 square miles in southwest CollinCounty, including 66 square miles in the city of Plano, northern portions of the cities of Dallas and Richardson and parts of the cities of Allen, Parker and Murphy. Plano ISD employs 7,000 faculty and staff members who serve more than 55,000 students in 70 schools and 11 service facilities. Participating in Plano ISD schools enables students to adapt to new learning opportunities throughout their lives, collaborate with, and contribute to, the global community and to be creative and disciplined in their thinking.