In High School District 214, we believe it is our responsibility to inspire every student to discover their passion and reach their potential. We Believe in lifelong learning, and the reality that education at all levels is the most reliable and effective vehicle for positive economic mobility in our community. With support from more than 700 business and community partners, we work to ensure our curriculum is relevant beyond high school, and that it meets students where they are intellectually, socially and emotionally. Our students graduate with college credits, career certifications, and internship experience. The result is the high-quality education our community has come to expect – the quality that put all six of our comprehensive high schools among the state’s best and most challenging according to The Washington Post and U.S. News and World Report. We’ve also built one of the nation’s most robust Community Education programs, which empowers entire generations. We are doing this amid a changing landscape: Thirty percent of our students live in poverty, up from less than 10 percent a decade ago. Our students deserve innovative, diverse and transformational teaching. The have needs that go beyond our normal operating budget, and we are working to prepare every one of them for success in a 21st century future. The District 214 Education Foundation was launched this year to support that mission, funding student success, innovation and lifelong learning across the entire District. We look forward to positively changing lives together, with the belief that an investment in the Foundation is an investment in our entire community. Gifts to the District 214 Education Foundation have the potential to impact nearly 12,000 students and thousands of adult learners.

The District 214 Community Education Foundation continues its tradition this year as it ushers in the holiday season with its annual online auction fundraiser. The 2014 Online Auction is live on eBay today, November 23 through Tuesday, December 2. The online auction, a good way to jump-start your holiday gift shopping, offers over 100 exciting and affordable items including family packages, food and wine experiences, golf foursomes, health and fitness items, tickets to sporting events and theaters, travel destinations, autographed memorabilia, and much more. This year's auction will feature Lunch with District 214 Superintendent at Francesca's (in Arlington Heights). "I'm very excited to have lunch with the person who wins this package," High School District 214 Superintendent Dave Schuler said. "The fundraiser is a terrific opportunity for our friends and supporters to help us continue to make a difference in our community through the many vital programs and services offered by Community Education." Other exciting items include an indoor skydiving experience that creates true free-fall conditions from iFly in Rosemont, membership to Northwest Community Healthcare's top-notch Wellness Center, a one-hour sightseeing/introductory flight courtesy of Signature Flight Support, an original Tom Skilling weather map drawing, overnight stay at Marriott Hotel, several foursomes at area golf courses, signed sports memorabilia, and much more. "I encourage all the families and friends of District 214 to spread the word and support our auction. Your generosity will go a long way toward making somebody's holiday brighter and more meaningful this year, while improving the quality of life in our communities at the same time," Community Education Director Mike Field said. Proceeds from the online auction will benefit programs such as the Catherine M. Lee Women's & Children's, Adult Education & Family Literacy, Adult Basic Education, Intergenerational and Older Adult programs, and Cultural & Performing Arts. To bid, visit http://ce.d214.org/auction/ Avoid the crowd and the lines this holiday season...bid online and make a difference! For more information or questions, please call 847-718-7708/7799.