SPS homecoming tailgate to be offered virtually

SIKESTON — Like most fundraisers this year, the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation’s biggest annual event — the homecoming tailgate — will also be offered virtually.

“Due to COVID-19, we will not be able to gather together as a community for our annual SPS Foundation Homecoming Tailgate,” said Amy Blanton, executive director of the Foundation. “We are extremely disappointed. Not only is the tailgate a wonderful community celebration, it is the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation’s largest fundraiser.”

Last year the Foundation raised almost $30,000 at its tailgate, according to Blanton.

“Even though we cannot come together in-person, we are still asking you to buy a $5-virtual ticket to our ‘Stay at HOMEcoming Tailgate,’” Blanton said. “Each ticket purchased will be entered into our homecoming raffle. Morlan Dodge has graciously donated a truck bed full of tailgating supplies to the Foundation for us to raffle off to one lucky winner.”

There is no limit on how many tickets that can be purchased.

“The more you buy, the more chances for you to win,” Blanton said.

Raffle prizes include tailgate games, chairs, portable grill, snacks, coolers, campfire grill, grilling supplies, duffle bag and more.

“We rely heavily on the funds raised by our tailgate to fund classroom teaching grants across SPS,” Blanton said. “Over the past six years, the SPS Foundation has awarded over $150,000 in classroom teaching grants.”

These classroom grants fund items that enhance learning in our classrooms. In addition to the classroom grants, the Foundation also funds other educational opportunities for R-6 students such as paying for the entire junior class to take the ACT, sending young women to Missouri Girls State and sending senior music students to the St. Louis Symphony.

“The SPS Foundation exists solely on the generosity of our community,” Blanton said. “We are extremely thankful that we live in a community that strongly supports Sikeston Public Schools. We hope that you will buy a ticket, or several tickets, to our Stay at HOMEcoming Tailgate this year so that we can continue to give back to our teachers and students. COVID-19 is altering how we do things, but it will not eliminate the educational needs of our students and teachers.”

Blanton thanked Morlan Dodge for the raffle items and the community for their continued support of the Foundation’s “Stay at HOMEcoming Tailgate” this year.

Our local businesses and individuals who have sponsored the tailgate in the past have continued to support us through this unprecedented year,” Blanton said.

Tickets are available through Oct. 15 via the fundraiser’s website: https://givebutter.com/2qPRao or by texting: HOCO2020 to (202) 858-1233. PayPal, credit cards, check and cash will be accepted.