Panthers for a Purpose: Get Ready for a Week of Impact

The Panther Foundation is getting ready for its’ annual fundraising event, Panthers for a Purpose. The Week of Giving is February 22-28, 2026 and includes a variety of ways to get involved, build community and have some pride-filled fun. Proceeds raised directly support Spring Lake Park Schools' students. Everyone is invited to participate.

“As we move through a challenging season for our community, moments like Panthers for a Purpose remind us of the power of coming together,” says Nyle Zikmund chairperson of the Panther Foundation board of directors. “During the Week of Giving, we come together to celebrate generosity, connection, and the good work that happens when Panthers show up for one another.”

Every dollar raised directly supports our students and families - whether meeting basic needs, enriching learning experiences, or fostering growth and opportunity. The goal of the week is to engage with the entire Panther community through giving opportunities and pride-filled fun that supports the continued work and impact of the Panther Foundation.

During the Week of Giving festivities include spirit days, dine-to-donate opportunities, a topnotch online silent auction and the Panther Party. The concluding party will be held on February 28 at Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids featuring a live auction, dessert auction, games, and entertainment by Good for Gary. Get your tickets online. 

"In times of crisis and every day, we are proud of the impact our work has on the student experience and the strength of a community that cares for one another,” says Colleen Pederson, Executive Director of The Panther Foundation. “We hope everyone will join in this Week of Giving. When our community unites, the impact reaches far beyond one week.”

Special focus on Career and College Pathways

Each year, the Foundation’s efforts include support for a special Fund-A-Dream project. This year, the focus is on the Career and College Pathways — Spring Lake Park Schools’ unique programming to support career exploration and college credit opportunities.

Over the last eight years, Spring Lake Park High School's Career and College Pathways have grown to 37 courses across three high-demand job sectors: Technology, Engineering & Design; Health & Human Services; and Business & Entrepreneurship. In the most recent graduating class, 92 percent of students had taken at least one pathway course.

Pathways experiences are set apart by the fact that the courses deliver curriculum that is more hands-on with direct application. They also provide access to industry partners working in the field. Students build a house alongside electricians and plumbers. They design communication and marketing plans for real business problems. They teach young students and earn certifications as EMTs.

The pathways are strong, and a project is currently underway to keep them that way and expand opportunities into middle school to support earlier career exploration. This year's Fund A Dream will support Career and College Pathways enhancement and expansion, ensuring alignment with evolving technology trends, technology advancements, and workforce demands.

“The world of work is changing so fast and Career and College Pathways opportunities are more important than ever for helping our students explore and prepare for futures that match their skills and interests, meet community and workforce needs and bring personal fulfillment,” says Colleen. “The Foundation’s support through the Fund-A-Dream will help with emerging opportunities.”

How to participate in the Week of Giving

The Week of Giving is February 22-28, 2026. There are several ways to participate.

• Show your spirit: Dress head to toe in school colors. Share photos with pantherfoundation@district16.org to be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to the Panther Store.
  • Monday, February 23 – White Out
  • Tuesday, February 24 – Grey Out
  • Wednesday, February  25 – Red Out
  • Thursday, February 26 – Blue Out
  • Friday, February 27 – Panther Spirit Day!
• Become a sponsor: Sponsorship of this event offers an incredible opportunity to be a part of our purpose and allows us to continue this work.
• Donate Silent Auction Items – then get ready to bid and win: We are asking community members to help us collect a wide variety of auction items, including merchandise, services and experiences that will capture the interest of our event attendees. Contact us today with your questions or ideas for the Silent Auction. Then, during the Week of Giving, bid and win! You can register in advance for the Silent Auction (Click "Get Started"). The Silent Auction will run Wednesday, February 25-Saturday, February 28.
• Dine-to-Donate: During the Week of Giving, we hold Dine-to-Donate opportunities each evening for families to have dinner, pick up take-out and know that the meal is supporting the Panther Foundation through a donation made by the local restaurant partner. We’ll publish the list closer to the Week of Giving.
• Support the Fund-A-Dream project – Career and College Pathways – and help explore and discover their career interests and earn college credit along the way: By donating directly to this special project, 100 percent of your donation goes to this year's Fund-A-Dream. Your support will support enhancement and expansion, ensuring alignment with evolving technology trends, technology advancements, and workforce demands. Donate Now.
• Join the party – Saturday, February 28: The Panther Foundation Party takes place Saturday, February 28, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. at Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids. The Party closes out the fundraising week with a live auction, dessert auction, games, and entertainment by Good for Gary. Guests will dance the night away celebrating SLP Schools and our community. Secure your tickets online to attend.

Find information about all of these activities on the Panthers for a Purpose event page.

Join this Week of Giving. Powered by Panthers. Driven by Purpose.