News

New campaign record set for the third year in a row

The Quincy Public Schools Foundation ended their 2023 Dream Big Annual Campaign on a high note, raising a record-breaking $355,213.42 in donations and pledges. This is the most raised during a Dream Big Campaign, exceeding last year’s record of $321,078.62. The initial goal of the campaign was $250,000. The campaign total was announced during halftime at the QHS Varsity Blue Devil Basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2.

“We are incredibly grateful to the community for the support they have shown for our students, teachers, and administrators.  From local businesses to individuals, the tremendous outpouring of support we saw from the QPS community was amazing,” Executive Director Heidi Lanier said. “These additional funds provide so many opportunities for our students, teachers, and administrators. This is an exciting time at Quincy Public Schools and the funds from this campaign will go a long way in enhancing the QPS experience.” 

This year’s campaign was chaired by QHS alumni Tim & Wendy Koontz, classes of ’86 & ’87 respectively.

“Wendy and I are overwhelmed by the community support for the Dream Big campaign this year.  The students of this district will enjoy experiences that would otherwise be impossible without these fundraising efforts.  We cannot thank the individual donors and businesses enough for their continued support of the Quincy Public Schools Foundation,” said Tim Koontz.

“My family has been part of and supporters of Quincy Public Schools for many generations.  Tim and I were thrilled to chair this year’s campaign.  We have firsthand experience about the amazing work being done in our schools, and cannot wait to see how our teachers and students are impacted.  Thank you for Dreaming Big with us,” said Wendy Koontz.

In addition to the funds raised by the community through this campaign, the QPS Foundation raised an additional $243,359.05 in grants supporting the work of QPSF and special projects within the district this fiscal year, which started July 1, 2023. Securing grant funding is another function of the QPS Foundation, and grants secured have gone toward funding a variety of resources for the district, including Smart Boards for QJHS and a video screen in the QHS Gym.  

Proceeds from this year’s campaign will be allocated to the five “pillars” of the Foundation: curriculum, technology, fine arts, athletics and endowment, operations of the Foundation, and special projects within the district. A portion of the money donated will also benefit new and existing Circles of Investment, per the donor’s wishes.

Each year the Foundation makes grants to teachers, schools and the district administration in fulfillment of their mission. In the last fiscal year, the Foundation provided over $295,000 of support to the Quincy Public Schools and has connected Quincy Public Schools with tens of thousands of dollars from other community organizations.

The QPS Foundation continues to encourage donations for Circles of Investment, which are endowment funds benefitting specific designations across the school district. Contributions may be made at any time to support existing Circles.

Gifts to the Dream Big Campaign should be made to QPS Foundation and can be sent via postal mail to the Foundation office at Quincy Senior High School or online via the Foundation’s website, qpsfoundation.org. Mobile device users may donate by texting “QPSF” to 44-321.