The Harlingen Area Educational Foundation with assistance from the Club Dare 2 Be Different collected nearly $15,000 during their circus-themed, 7th Annual Stride with Pride for Education held at HCISD’s Performing Arts Center on January 29.
Each year, as a community service project, students from the Club D2BD reach out to donors to sponsor their walk on the runway at the fashion show.
This year, a total of 32 students walked the runway. Students featured were from various campuses across the district at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
The annual event raised funds through sponsor donations and ticket sales for HAEF to help fund educational programs and activities. The evening also brought recognition to two dedicated students.
“We awarded a $500 scholarship to the highest performing senior from D2BD, and we also gave $500 to the elementary school of the student who raised the most money,” said Janine Marie Campbell, founder of D2BD and President of HAEF.
Megan Adair was the recipient of the Make a Difference scholarship for going above and beyond as a Club D2BD member, and Stuart Place Elementary received $500 for their students’ commitment to raising funds for education.
In addition to the group of students participating in the fundraiser, many celebrity striders also took part in the event. Some of which included Mayor Chris Boswell, Harlingen Police Chief Jeffrey Adickes, HCISD Board Member Eladio Jaimez, and Kathy Preddy of United Way.
Campbell credits the overwhelming success of the event to the help she received from community members, school employees, and volunteers.
Sponsors providing the outfits featured in the gala include Dillard’s, Armando’s Tuxedos, and a local fashion designer Laisa Macias.
“It takes a village, and we have a good one here in Harlingen,” Campbell said. “We have a lot of people who love HCISD and are willing to move mountains for our kids, and I am lucky enough to work with them.”
HAEF’s mission is to fund programs and activities which either have not been funded or have been underfunded by the normal operating budget.
