News

The Quincy Public Schools Foundation announced today that it has set a new fundraising record through its annual Dream Big campaign, raising an unprecedented $526,583.15 in donations and pledges to support students, educators, and programs across the Quincy Public School District. This is the most raised during a Dream Big Campaign, exceeding last year’s record of $515,000. The campaign total was announced during halftime at the QHS Varsity Blue Devil Basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 31. This is the fifth year in a row that a fundraising record has been set with this annual campaign.

“We are beyond grateful to our donors, volunteers, and the entire Quincy community for Dreaming Big with us once again,” said Heidi Lanier, Executive Director of the QPS Foundation. “Each year, the bar gets higher—and each year, our supporters rise to the occasion. These funds will directly impact classrooms, programs, and the lives of our educators & students. It’s exciting to think about the impact that will be made from this year’s campaign.”

This year’s campaign was chaired by QHS alumni Heidi Holzgrafe & Eric Loos, classes of ’00 & ’01 respectively.

“The passion and commitment of this community is unmatched,” said Holzgrafe. “Year after year, Quincy continues to rise to the moment. This historic campaign is a powerful reflection of our community’s belief in public education and our shared commitment to investing in the future of our students.”

Loos added, “The response to this year’s campaign was extraordinary. For the fifth consecutive year, our community surpassed the previous record—sending a clear message that public education matters and that Quincy is deeply invested in the success of its students.”

The capstone fundraising event from this year’s campaign was A Night to Dream Big, where international opera star Michèle Crider ’77 and QHS Faculty Dan Sherman, Tom Burnett, Les Fonza, and Clyde Bassett were honored. Next year’s Night to Dream Big event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6 at the Oakley-Lindsay Center in Quincy.

Proceeds from this year’s campaign will be allocated to areas of need, including curriculum, technology, fine arts, athletics, operations of the Foundation, and special projects within the district. The fundraising total includes more than $140,000 designated specifically for the Foundation’s endowment, ensuring that the impact of this year’s success will be felt for generations to come.

Each year the Foundation makes grants to teachers, schools and the district administration in fulfillment of their mission. In the last two years, the Foundation awarded more than $575,000 in grants in support of 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 endowed funds benefiting specific designations across the school district. Contributions may be made at any time to support existing Circles.

Though this year’s annual campaign is finished, donations are accepted by the QPS Foundation at any time. Donations should be made to QPS Foundation and can be sent via postal mail to the Foundation office at Quincy Senior High School at 3322 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301, or online via the Foundation’s website, qpsfoundation.org.