The spotlight is on the Plano ISD Education Foundation’s biggest night as SKI Plano celebrates its 30th anniversary. This year, the fundraiser has a bold, circus-inspired theme: The Greatest Show.

The theme captures spectacle and heart in a playful nod to “The Greatest Showman.” The foundation is honoring three decades of community support with a magical, uplifting and meaningful evening, with imaginative decor and interactive entertainment.

“In our 30th year, we wanted a theme that matched the event’s magnitude,” said Brittnea Ussery, Plano ISD Education Foundation Executive Director. “’The Greatest Show’ reflects the tradition and impact of SKI Plano. It’s an unforgettable night of entertainment that raises critical funds to ensure every student has access to the tools and opportunities they deserve.”

A night of celebration and impact

SKI Plano is the foundation’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year, and it’s more than a festive evening.

A highlight of the evening is the wine and dine pull, where guests can pull a bottle or a gift card to a local restaurant. The silent auction also lets attendees bid on unique items.

Every dollar raised supports Plano ISD students, teachers and programs.

“This event showcases our community’s support for our schools,” SKI Plano chair Jenelle Berry-Cook said. “It’s a night of fun and celebration, but it drives meaningful support for students and educators throughout Plano ISD.”Funding programs that shape success

SKI Plano remains grounded in its mission: supporting programs that help Plano ISD students thrive academically, creatively and emotionally, behind the lights and entertainment.

The foundation’s largest source of unrestricted funds, SKI Plano, gives the organization the flexibility to quickly respond to district needs.

“This fundraiser fuels teacher support and student innovation,” Ussery said. “It’s the lifeline that lets us meet needs in real time and keep essential programs strong.”

This year, the foundation will support 35 district and foundation-run programs, including:

• Grants to Educators awarded $160,000 to 107 teachers this November
• The foundation’s CORE Store offers free classroom supplies
• Health Sciences Academy
• Welcome and Enrollment Center
• Innovative campus programs and pilot initiatives
• Emergency crisis support for Plano ISD staff

The last program—Emergency Crisis Fund—is especially meaningful. It offers immediate, no-strings-attached support to educators and other staff facing unexpected hardships.

“Supporting our teachers is just as important as supporting our students,” Ussery said. “These funds allow us to care for the people who care for our kids every day.”A milestone worth every dollar

With the 30th anniversary comes a renewed commitment to support Plano ISD students and teachers at a greater scale. Last year’s event raised $350,000—a number the foundation hopes to exceed.

This year’s goal is $375,000, with a stretch target of $400,000.

“SKI Plano reminds us how powerful our community can be together,” Berry-Cook said. “Reaching these goals isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about investing in students, teachers and programs that make Plano ISD a place where every child can thrive.”

Want to make an impact?

Support Plano ISD by buying a SKI Plano ticket, reserving a full table for you and your guests, or contributing items to the silent auction or wine and dine pull.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 1, with individual tickets costing $175 and a table for 10 at $2,000. Guests who buy a table on Cyber Monday get perks like commemorative gifts, themed desserts, drink tickets and valet parking.

The foundation is accepting donations for the silent auction, gift baskets, wine and gift cards to help make this year’s event a success. To donate items, visit the in-kind donation agreement form on the Plano ISD Education Foundation website.Ways to support—even if you can’t attend

The foundation invites the community to get involved in multiple ways:

• Donate silent auction items via the Amazon Wish List
• Contribute wine or gift cards for the wine and dine pull
• Share posts on Instagram, Facebook and X to amplify impact

Together for 30 years

For three decades, SKI Plano has united families, educators, business partners and supporters who believe in public education. Each year, over 500–600 attendees fill the room—a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to Plano ISD.

“Seeing hundreds support public education sends a powerful message,” Berry-Cook said. “It shows our staff, students and community that what happens in our schools matters—and that we’re all in this together.”

Join this 30-year celebration and make a difference for Plano ISD.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.