Two University of Kentucky basketball tickets and a signed basketball by John Calipari will highlight this year’s fundraiser for the Frankfort Independent Schools Education Foundation.
It begins at 6 p.m. today on Cable 10 from the Plant Board Club House and also features students performing talent acts. Votes in the form of dollar donations will pick the winner.
Viewers can call in bids, talent votes and pledges. They can also stop by the clubhouse for free hamburgers and hot dogs. Last year’s event raised $12,000.
The UK tickets – in the lower arena – and the signed basketball will be sold at the silent auction. Bids can be phoned in to 352-2380 beginning at 6 p.m.
The three-hour live telecast is the foundation’s annual appeal for financial aid for the district’s schools.
Larry Montgomery and Mike Oder will serve as hosts. Steve Brooks, a Frankfort High School graduate, will join them. Also on hand will be former students talking about their experiences.
“While it is extremely important from a financial standpoint to have this support, it is even more important to know that there are people out there who love and support this district well beyond any day-to-day contact with it,” said Rich Crowe, superintendent of FIS.
Crowe said the plaque affixed to Second Street School is inscribed “Frankfort’s gift to its children. Tonight is an opportunity for the city to keep this quest for its children.”
The foundation formed in 2007 as an independent arm of the district to support and enhance programs needed by the nearly 125-year-old school district.
“I am pleased to help organize the second annual telethon to raise money to help Frankfort youth,” said foundation president Joe Johnson.
Not only is Johnson a 1967 graduate of FHS, but his mother, Jane, taught Spanish until her retirement. Johnson’s wife, Cheryl Viel, has taught math at the school for almost 30 years.
“Many of the people who give have not been involved in the district or the schools on a daily basis for decades, yet they still give,” Crowe said.
“That says a lot about the spirit of this district and the people that make it up and have made it up in the past. It’s incredible! It’s palpable! We also appreciate the monetary support.”
Johnson said he felt he reaped many rewards from his time at FHS and wants other children to experience them as well.
“I learned from my teachers many skills which were vital in terms of pursuing a law degree and pursuing my career as an attorney in the criminal appellate division of the Attorney General’s Office for over 20 years. I hope to afford the youth today many of those same opportunities that enabled me to have a successful career in the law.”
Montgomery is a former principal of the district and Oder was superintendent there. It is their second appearance.