Support innovative classroom projects and fill immediate student needs in the La Crosse public schools
By sponsoring the
2023 Charlie Miller Bowtie Classic Golf Outing and Knowledge Open
Date to be Confirmed
Become A Sponsors! Sponsorship levels from $150 – $3,000
For more information, contact Executive Director Nell Saunders-Scott at (608) 787-0226, or email: nell@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org
Where the money goes
With proceeds from the Bowtie Classic, and other fundraising, LPEF has steadily increased the amount of money available each year for classroom grants awarded to teachers as a way to encourage innovation in the La Crosse public schools. This school year, the Foundation will provide more than $80,000 in classroom grants. These grants, chosen through a competitive application process, support projects that would not be possible through the District’s taxpayer-supported budget. Some recent examples of LPEF grants include:
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$5,000 to purchase differentiated, high interest, and culturally appropriate materials which align with grade level curriculum to provide supports for Northside Elementary students to reach grade level. Recipients: Sarah Bradle, Shelly Long, Kadie Koepke, Courtney Kirchner. - $2,388 to provide Central High School students with a fly fishing and fish habitat learning experience. Students will learn about fly casting, fly tying, and how to catch fish. Recipients: Brad Bryan, Scott Linssen. Made possible in part by the Tyser Power of Nature Fund.
- $1,100 for dancer Michael James to speak with Lincoln Middle students about dance, racism, and stereotypes and achieving one’s personal goals. Recipients: Jason Harden. Made possible in part by the Rachel Gundersen Endowment for the Arts & Humanities.
Read full details about more about Grant Awards announced this past April totaling $34,156 for 20 projects impacting students at every grade level.
LPEF also provides a Random Acts of Kindness account for use by each La Crosse school, allowing them to help students overcome roadblocks to achievement by addressing needs in areas such as food, clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, transportation, academic and co-curricular support. Last year, nearly $40,000 was spent through Random Acts of Kindness.
About the Bowtie Classic
The Bowtie Classic is the largest annual fundraiser in support of classroom grants and other programs of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation.
The event recognizes and honors Dr. Charles Miller III, a co-founder of LPEF and a longtime member of the Board of Education in La Crosse. Dr. Miller — who was known for his signature bowties — was a surgeon at Gundersen Health System. He died unexpectedly while playing racquetball in May 2011. Susan Miller and her family continue to be very involved in the event, including providing sponsorship money to allow student teams to golf in the Bowtie Classic.
Teams compete not just on golf skills in the scramble format. The event includes a unique feature: the Knowledge Open Challenge. At various holes on the course, questions are asked by National Honor Society students. Each event foursome, as a team, answers the questions during its round of play. Teams’ final scores are based on their golf game as well as their performance on the quiz.