WE ARE THE POLAR BEAR FOUNDATION
The Polar Bear Foundation (PBF) provides financial support beyond the reach of the regular school district budget for academic, athletic, and cultural programs for the students, teachers, and staff of the Northern York County School District in York County, Pennsylvania.
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The PBF is a separate entity from the school board that raises funds through special events and charitable donations from individuals, groups, and businesses. These monies are distributed to support programs and projects that align with our mission: To build a stronger community.
We are a trusted community partner consisting of parents, attending students and school alumni, current and retired teachers, school administrators, and business members committed to strengthening and supporting the entire Northern York County School District.
The Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization for charitable purposes.
Join us on April 26, 2024, from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM at The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion in Mechanicsburg for our annual Gala, where we will celebrate the Foundation's success in supporting the students, teachers, and staff of the Northern York County School District.
This year's event is Havana Nights, so come dressed in your best cocktail/tropical/resort attire and enjoy the fun colors, delicious food, and open bar. The evening will be packed with exciting activities, including mansion tours, salsa instruction, cigar rolling, and a silent auction. (Be sure to admire the tropical centerpieces the high school floral design students created!).
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have a great time with friends while supporting a worthy cause—local education!
Event Sponsorships and tickets are available. Accepting items for our silent auction.
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GALA FAQ
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What is the Gala?
The Gala is also our largest fundraising event of the year. But it is also our favorite! This is where we get to thank last year's donors for all they have done for the District! Our donors are THE reason the Foundation is successful.
Can I Attend the Gala Even if I Did Not Donate Last Year?
Absolutely! This event is a fun reason to dress up, eat tasty food, and enjoy time with friends, family, and community members.
Why is the PBF Raising Funds?
Monies from our silent auctions, sponsorships, and ticket sales do help cover the cost of the Gala, but more importantly, the money raised is used for funding student scholarships, grants for teachers/staff to purchase needed items, and district-wide improvements.
With the donations in 2023, the PBF funded:
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20 grants to teachers and staff
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Checks to elementary PTOs
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Three scholarships to college-bound seniors
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HS Splatterfest
Why is the Gala held at The Willows of Ashcombe Mansion in Mechanicsburg and not in Dillsburg? Shouldn't the party be kept in our community?
More people attend the Gala each year—we have outgrown the available spaces in Dillsburg!
A lot of thought was given to where we would host this party: we wanted a place convenient to Dillsburg, provided ample parking and indoor seating for attendees, and had the same small-town values as Dillsburg. While the Ashcombe Mansion isn't in Dillsburg, this beautiful venue provides job opportunities to Northern York County residents, is a stunning wedding venue for many local brides and grooms, and even offers a place for local photographers to photograph clients.
The Mansion is undoubtedly a *part* of our community.
Meet the Team
OUR SUPPORTORS
Our supporters are the reason the Polar Bear Foundation can do everything we do! They are why the high school has lighting and sound equipment for the musicals, why the District could install the turf field, and why seniors are awarded scholarships to further their education after graduating.
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The PBF has three levels of supporters:
-Business & Corporation Partnerships
-Event Sponsors
-Donors
The donations enable the PBF to fill grant requests from our staff and teachers for:
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Deodorant for 5th graders at their Growth & Development discussion.
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Carts to aid in the transportation of music stands for elementary band and orchestra students.
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Competition signs for the Northern High School Cheer team.
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STEM bins at Dillsburg Elementary to inspire creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
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Shade structure at Wellsville Elementary to help shade the kids while they play outside.
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Our supportors create a solid foundation for the PBF to stand upon and are truly the heroes.
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THANK YOU FROM
NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL | NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL
DILLSBURG ELEMENTARY | NORTHERN ELEMENTARY | SOUTH MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY | WELLSVILLE ELEMENTARY
