Thursday, March 27, 2025; Eudora, KS: The Eudora Schools Foundation has raised $85,710.05 during its fifth-annual ESF Give Day. This total includes donations received between February 1st to March 14th.
“Each Give Day our community shows up—bigger and stronger,” said Frances Lyons, ESF Board President. “We had the most ambitious goal yet and our community met the moment. Their generosity means we can do even more to enhance learning, inspire teachers, and support the bright futures of our Eudora students.”
The total includes $16,000 in matching gifts from generous campaign sponsors: Legacy Restaurant Group | Wendy’s, Central Bank of the Midwest, Eudora Animal Hospital, Westerhouse Heating & Cooling, Mainstreet Credit Union, Building Controls and Services, Garland, RhinoWare USA, Mutual Savings Association, Emprise Bank, Mid States Excavating, Benchmark Mechanical, Heritage Tractor, Burns & McDonnell & CAS Constructors, Cornerstone Properties, Jayhawk Trophy, Midwest Health – Homestead of Eudora, and Kyle Branine with Edward Jones.
Give Day 2025 saw an outpouring of support with over 470 individual donors, reinforcing that ESF Give Day has become more than just a fundraiser—it’s a day the Eudora community comes together to invest in its future. This year’s theme, “Ambitious Goals – Exceptional Futures for Our Eudora Kids,” reflected the Foundation’s bold vision to create impactful opportunities for all students through innovative programming, classroom support, and expanded career exploration.
“This day is a powerful reminder of how much our community believes in our kids and their potential,” said Shanda Hurla, ESF Executive Director. “With this incredible support, we’ll expand work-based learning at the high school, increase enrichment opportunities for middle school students, and continue funding the classroom grants that matter so much to our teachers and students. We’re honored to be trusted with this investment in our kids’ futures”
Over the past five years, the ESF Give Day campaign has raised more than $398,000, directly investing back into Eudora Schools to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers alike.

The Eudora Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) that generates resources, builds relationships, and champions public education in Eudora public schools. Founded in 2006, the Foundation exists to enhance the quality of education through partnerships with the community. Expenditures are primarily directed toward enhancing classroom instruction and impacting the broadest number of Eudora students. https://www.eudoraschoolsfoundation.org
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Cornerstone Property Management & Zeb’s Coffeehouse, owned by GW & Kathy Weld, were recognized during the Eudora USD 491 Board of Education meeting tonight for their continued support of Eudora Schools. BOE member Kelley Woods thanked the owners and employees of both businesses. Woods highlighted the numerous contributions

The Eudora Schools Foundation (ESF) announced today that they awarded more than $32,000 to fund 24 teachers’ innovative programs in the Eudora school district. The grants help teachers establish programs to enhance student learning and success. The ESF has awarded over 200 grants and funded over $200,000 in classroom educational initiatives since 2006.

The seventh annual “Principal for a (Half) Day” program, sponsored by the Eudora Schools Foundation, gives local community and business leaders a-close-up view of a day in the life of a principal. Participants will spend a morning with school principals to better understand their complex roles and to gain perspective on the school system from within. Community leaders, in turn, will share expertise and provide perspective on their business’ needs and opportunities for collaboration.

The Eudora Schools Foundation (ESF) has raised more than $70,000 from the fourth-annual ESF Give Day on March 5th. The total includes donations received from February 1st to March 8th.

Turns out, even the smallest steps can have an impact. This Earth Day, consider your ecological footprint and enact these seven green ways to embrace today.