Panthers for a Purpose raises $145k

The Panther Foundation’s annual Week of Giving and Panther Party raised $145,000 and counting to support activities and programs benefiting the students of Spring Lake Park Schools.

The Week of Giving, February 22-28, 2026, brought out the Panther Pride. There were themed spirit wear days, dine to donate opportunities in partnership with local restaurants, and a silent auction with more than 350 packages. The silent auction alone raised more than $31,000 and included more than 294 bidders from all over the district and even friends, relatives and supporters in other states.  

“In a season when many in our community have been carrying a lot, this week has reminded us of the power of coming together with compassion, pride, and purpose,” says Kieren Steinhoff, event co-chair. “It’s about more than fundraising — it’s about connection, generosity, and the strength we find when our Panther community stands side by side.”

The culminating event of the week was the Panther Party on Saturday, February 28. More than 180 guests attended the party at Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers, a brief program with games (including heads or tails – or, in our case – paws up, paws down), dinner and special entertainment from local band Good for Gary.

Still time to support

While the party may be over, the giving isn’t. There is still time to donate – and specifically for this year’s Fund-A-Dream project, Career and College Pathways.

Career and College Pathways, in the broadest sense at Spring Lake Park Schools, supports students at all grades levels in exploring potential, best fit careers. As students get older, hands-on learning tied to career exploration helps them discover their interests and even find their futures.

At the high school, students can select courses in one of three pathways that each represent a need for future jobs. The three pathways are Technology, Engineering and Design; Business and Entrepreneurship; and Health and Human Services. There are currently 37 courses spanning the three pathways – 14 of which offer college credit opportunities.

“Our contributions support expansion for experiences that go beyond the core….to find the heart of future vocations,” said Kieren Steinhoff, co-chair of the event and emcee. “We can provide more access to industry partners and workplaces. To apprenticeships and internships. To experiences that build skills and expertise and help students find their futures.”

More than $47,000 has been raised so far to support the Fund A Dream. There is still time contribute and keep the momentum going. Donate directly online.

For more than 20 years, the Panther Foundation has supported projects and initiatives in our school to benefit students. They have awarded more than $2.4 million to Spring Lake Park Schools to fund more than 400 projects and initiatives.

Learn more about Panthers for a Purpose, the Fund-A-Dream project and the work of the Panther Foundation at SpringLakeParkSchools.org/GiveBack.