February 3, 2011

News Release

TISD Elementary Schools and Tyler ISD Foundation

Kick-Off Fundraiser

Photo caption: (left) George Roberts, executive director of the East Texas Public Health District, is the first customer to purchase a Tyler ISD Foundation Discount Card from Larry Goddard, Tyler ISD Foundation Executive Director.  Proceeds are split with the elementary campuses based on the number of cards each campus sells.  The campaign usually generates about $20,000 for the various campuses involved.

Beginning today, February 3rd, elementary school students of the Tyler Independent School District are selling discount cards to raise money for their campuses and the Tyler ISD Foundation.  Again this year, Great American Opportunities Company, represented by Gene Howard of Longview, will organize the fundraiser for the campuses.

“This fundraising opportunity gives each elementary campus a chance to raise private dollars for campus projects as well as support the Tyler ISD Foundation which funds teacher grants, teacher and student recognition and other programs not typically funded by tax dollars,” said Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Tyler ISD Foundation.  “Our students get involved with the process of raising dollars to support the programs and projects that are innovative and vital to an outstanding education.”

According to Goddard, proceeds of the sales of the card will go to the discretionary use of the principals at each participating elementary school and the area of greatest needs as determined by the Tyler ISD Foundation Board of Directors.  

"Great American is excited about working with the Tyler ISD Foundation and their respective elementary schools,” said Gene Howard, of Great American Opportunities.  “The card gives families a great opportunity to support their school, while helping local businesses and saving money at the same time! In fact, the cost of the card can be easily recaptured by using it just a handful of times.  We appreciate all the fine business establishments who have partnered with us in this project and hope their businesses will flourish with the use of the card,” said Howard.

The discount cards are sold for $10 dollars each and offer great deals to local businesses such as Dairy Queen, Sonoma Grill, Texas Roadhouse, Fish City Grill, Goodwill Industries of Tyler, Cici’s Pizza, Time Square Cinema, Newk’s Express Café, The Diner, Quick N Easy Car Wash, Sonic, Putt- Putt Golf and Games, Domino’s Pizza, Arby’s, Chili’s Bar and Grill,  Sport’s Clips, Royal Lube, Double Dave’s Pizza and Daniel Boone’s Grill and Tavern.

The safety of the elementary school students is very important to the school district and the Tyler ISD Foundation, so students are asked to sell to people they know or for their parents to take the discount cards to their businesses. The cards will be available for purchase from February 3^rd to February 14^th.

“We are purposely including Super Bowl Weekend and Valentine’s Day in our discount card sale so that these special times and gatherings can be card sales opportunities,” said Jennifer Moreman, Director of Development for the Tyler ISD Foundation.

“We expect this to be our best year ever and hope that volunteers will offer to sell the discount cards for us this year,” said Goddard.  “It is a great deal but the sales period goes by so fast!  We will be selling the cards from the Foundation Office after Valentine’s Day—we want the students to get first chance at the sales since they are given incentive prizes.” 

“We love the fact that the students are involved in a charitable fund drive and hope they will continue the spirit of giving throughout their lives,” concluded Goddard.

Discount cards may be purchased at all Tyler ISD elementary campuses as well as the Tyler ISD Administration Building, located at 1319 New Sunnybrook, in Tyler.  Information can be obtained by emailing:  foundation@suddenlinkmail.com or calling Goddard or Moreman at the Foundation Office (903) 266-9805 or 9806.

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