District 124 Foundation’s new leadership team hosted the seventh annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Central Middle School.

This year’s bash featured all of the fun and exciting games, performances and raffle prizes that District 124 families have grown accustomed to over the years – in addition to something new.

The Bash included a gently-used shoe drive. Participants who donated a pair of shoes were given a free raffle ticket.

The idea to add the shoe drive came from Laura Sexton who, along with Ken Fryer, is a new co-president of the D124 Foundation. That pair, along with Vice President Linda Panico, Secretary Colleen Boyer, and Treasurer Tim Kostecki, make up the new Foundation Board.

Fryer said he’s thrilled to take on the new leadership position and is excited to do what he can to support the students of District 124.

“Our goal will be to promote and grow the foundation so we can reach more teachers, which in turn will benefit all of the students of the district,” he said.

Sexton agreed, stating that her goal is to “provide 100 percent full integrity, authenticity, and commitment to something bigger than [herself].”

The mission of the Foundation is to enrich the quality of educational opportunities and experiences available to all District 124 students and teachers. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds throughout the year, and putting that money back into the District by awarding grants geared toward enhancing the education of District students.