WHO ARE WE?

Why Was HFEE Created?   It was formed 10 years ago to create opportunities for our children that the school budget could not provide. At that time, the district, like many other Long Island districts, struggled with failed budgets and disgruntled taxpayers. The parents who started the Foundation believed that they could match the resources of the greater community with the creativity of the district teaching staff. They were right.

How Does All This Work?   HFEE has awarded more than $225,000 since its inception in 1993 through two grant channels, both invitations for teachers and administrators to apply. The Foundation also supports Greenkill and Field Trip Funds, and, in 1999, a Millennium Fund, which was established for financial growth. 

Mini-Grants provide special-projects money for classroom activities that go beyond the core curriculum, such as unique computer software, a wild-life garden, or a disability awareness workshop. These financial requests are as high as $1,000.

Reach for the Stars Grants fuel grade- and school-wide initiatives that have a broad impact or grand vision of education. These grants have funded computers for an entirely new course in visual arts, amplification systems, a National Shakespeare Company arts-in-education program for all 9th graders, and a one-year pilot program in partnership with the Queens College Center for Environmental Teaching and Research at Caumsett State Park that is now a permanent part of the primary-school curriculum. Reach for the Stars Grants usually exceed $1,000 and have been as high as $10,000.

Field Trip Fund, established in 1999, is designed to assure that no student misses an educationally enriching trip due to financial need.  Under the program, each building principal is provided an annual budget and disburses funds on a confidential basis.

Greenkill Fund was established in 1996 to provide scholarships for students who cannot afford the full cost of participating in our top-ranked environmental program, the culminating activity to the sixth-grade science curriculum at the Greenkill YMCA Camp in the Catskill Mountains.

Millennium Fund, underwritten by a $10,000 anonymous donation received at the end of 1999, is intended to provide the Foundation with “an on-going source of funding for its work of enhancing the educational experience for district children.” The donor has instructed board members to invest the money in securities or other financial instruments so the fund will grow over time, and, when it reaches a target level, be used to contribute a significant amount of support to activities.

How Does HFEE Raise Money?   HFEE currently holds two fundraisers each year and accepts donations at anytime:

Walk for Education: A district-wide, spirit-raising event inviting Huntington School District children—sponsored by their families, friends, and local businesses—to  “walk” in the high school’s annual homecoming parade.

“Reach for the Stars” Auction: A district-wide grand evening event with wonderful auction offerings from our parents and the larger community. An opportunity to celebrate what we all want, excellence in education, the event often features the presentation of the HFEE Spirit Award or Volunteer of the Year as well as entertainment, often showcasing music and art from Huntington High School.

Donations: Donations can be sent directly to HFEE, P.O. Box 552, Huntington, NY 11743, at anytime. Individuals who give to the United Way through payroll deductions can also direct a portion of their gift to HFEE via our Greenkill and/or Field Trip Funds, agency code 026811. Companies that provide charitable matching programs may also be able to contribute since the Foundation is a non-profit organization. Please inquire—we can easily help you set it up. Questions? Call any of the officers.