Another Big Night for Education

Norcross High School Foundation’s annual gala surpasses the previous year’s fundraising.

In continuing its mission to ensure the success of all students at Norcross High School (NHS) by building community support and by raising funds to cultivate excellence in academics, arts and athletics, the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence (NHSFE) topped its previous record.

This year, the foundation raised nearly $113,000 to help bridge the gap between state and county funding and play a pivotal role in generating the funds and resources necessary to provide the level of excellence and education desired for all students at NHS. Last year, NHSFE raised $110,000.

“Our auction this year did better than it did last year. And last year was the highest year we had had to date,” said Co-president Tiffany Ellner.

As one of the largest schools in

By Arlinda Smith Broady Photos by Kent Ruby

Georgia, NHS has a diverse student body and a wide range of programs. As just about any parent can attest, tax dollars only go so far, and often public schools need extra funding to provide top-notch opportunities. That’s why the foundation was started more than two decades ago.

In addition to donations from local governments, businesses and residents, the gala is the main fundraising for the nonprofit. The board is made up solely of volunteers and all money raised goes toward education.

Cash for bricks

Wish bricks, which are requests submitted by teachers for unfunded items that aid in education, went on sale two weeks before the gala took place and remain eligible for purchase for a week following the gala.

“Parents of rising freshmen aren’t familiar with the process, and often they come to the gala to get a feel for the Norcross family and see what we do,” said Ellner. “And sometimes people get so caught up in the party atmosphere that they don’t get around to donating what they’d like to.”

She added that every year there are quite a few people who end up purchasing bricks after the celebration. By the same token, others know they want to focus on the event, so they buy their bricks early.

“We sold over $3,000 in bricks the week following the gala,” she said. “And people who have been a part of the foundation for a long time — also known as challengers — tend to purchase their bricks early beforehand.”

The foundation often picks a large project to donate a lion’s share of the proceeds to, and this year it will pay for a new sign in front of the school. There’s no completion date set, but Ellner said they want to have some sort of ribbon cutting celebration to introduce it to the community.

Money rolls in for auction items

Some big-ticket auction items at the gala included vacations and a barrel of high-end bourbon. “There was one special bottle called ‘Whistlepig’ that came in this beautiful wooden box,” said Ellner. “I don’t know a lot about bourbon, but it was a popular item.”

Perhaps the most coveted package was a collection of NHS swag created by students for the school store.

“It had the most bids and people were fighting for it most all night,” said Ellner. “It had this great sweatshirt blanket and a little car flag, a picture frame with the logo, a little tote bag and some pom poms. That was a big winner in the silent auction category.”

To help increase the money raised, the foundation offered a new way to give. “One of the things that we’ve started is that we offer creative bricks,” said Ellner. “If you have a teacher and you really want to fund something in their classroom, like graphing calculators for the math teacher, you can create a brick and you can donate for the teacher.”

There is no set amount for the creative bricks. This year they alone raised $7,785.

“We had a lot of generous people who wanted to donate their money,” said Ellner. “We’re so blessed to be part of such a giving community.” ■

1. Jed and Carrie DeLong, Dr. Phyllis Gerard, Mr. Lee Newman

2. Jane Mills, Carrie and Jed DeLong, Remi DeLong (Norcross alumnus)

3. City of Norcross mayor Craig Newton with NHSFE Challenger Maureen McIvor

4. Jeff Robinson with Peachtree Corners City Council Member and NHSFE Challenger Phil Sadd and his wife Stephanie along with NHSFE Challenger Maureen McIvor

5. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Newman with NHS band parents

6. Peachtree Corners City Council Member Joe Sawyer and wife Kimberly

7. NHSFE Board Member and Challenger Kevin Hallam and wife Lisa with fellow Challengers Kim and William Hartselle

8. Chris and Leigh Anne Holden with NHSFE Co-President and Challenger Erin Griffin and husband Mike

9. Dr. Phyllis Gerard with Norcross High School Counseling Department

10. State House Representative and NHSFE Challenger Scott Hilton and his wife Meredith along with NHSFE Challengers Paul and Elizabeth Gross, Jenny and Bob Chapin

11. Jennifer Isaacson, NHSFE Co-President and Challenger Tiffany Ellner and husband David with Paul Isaacson

12. Auctioneer Sergeant Buffington with NHSFE Chairperson and Challenger Leah Bilz