The Distinguished Golden Alumni Banquet is Next Week

The Distinguished Golden Alumni Banquet is Oct. 24, according to Michael Bardwell.

Bardwell and Jim Johnson appeared on KHOZ's "Around The Table" on Tuesday to discuss the banquet. The banquet will happen at 11:30 a.m. at the Signature Bank tower. This is the Harrison Public Schools Foundation's biggest yearly fundraiser; it's a luncheon this year instead of a dinner. The goal is to bring more people into the event.

Tickets are still available for $30 each via calling 870-741-7600, and tickets are not available at the door; attendees will sit at tables of six people. Bardwell said they are "excited to honor" three families representing a group of alumni.

The families of these individuals have supported the Harrison Goblins. Bardwell explained the significance of the Harrison Public Schools Foundation, which these individuals have supported.

He said the foundation has operated since 1998 and was formed to gather money to make school projects and grants possible. Bardwell pointed to projects like the GOBSmobile.

The mobile STEM learning center was funded in large part by the foundation. This grant money goes through a process.

Bardwell said anyone in the district completes a form explaining what's needed, "what it will do" and why it is requested. The foundation board, with a little help from the district, decides who and what project gets money from the district and who and what project will get money from the foundation.

Bardwell added that the more money that's brought in enables the foundation to say yes to more grant requests. Johnson explained how the foundation's money is designated.

He said it has a "general fund" and that there's a "dedicated fund." Johnson said people can donate for a specific area. The dedicated fund is outside of the usual budget.

Anyone wanting to join the foundation's board can call 870-741-7600 at extension 7006 to speak with Linda Alford or email her. More was discussed on the broadcast. The full interview with Bardwell and Johnson is on the "Around The Table" Facebook Page.