Two schools in Hays, Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School and Holy Family Elementary, recently participated in a community event funded by a local charitable trust. The Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust provided a special pizza lunch for all students and staff at both educational institutions.
The initiative was a collaborative effort with the local Hays Pizza Hut, which not only prepared the meals but also committed to donating a portion of the proceeds. This event served to both treat the school communities and provide support for the family of Sergeant Heimann, highlighting a strong sense of local unity and compassion.
Key Takeaways
- The Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust funded a pizza lunch for students and staff at Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary.
- Hays Pizza Hut partnered in the event, preparing the food for both schools.
- The local business is donating 15% of the proceeds from the event to the family of Sergeant Heimann.
- School officials emphasized that the collaboration reflects the community's values of service, faith, and mutual support.
A Generous Gift for Local Students
Students and staff members at Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School and Holy Family Elementary were treated to a complimentary pizza lunch, thanks to a significant contribution from The Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust. This act of generosity provided a meal for the entire school communities, creating a shared experience for everyone involved.
The Dreiling Trust, a well-known local philanthropic organization, covered the full cost of the pizzas. Such contributions are vital for fostering positive school environments and demonstrating community investment in education and student well-being. The schools publicly expressed their gratitude for the trust's support, noting that it reinforces the strong bonds within the Hays community.
The Role of Community Trusts
Charitable trusts like the Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust often play a crucial role in smaller communities. They are typically established to provide ongoing financial support to local causes, including education, healthcare, and community development. Their involvement in events like this school lunch program directly impacts residents and strengthens the social fabric of the area.
This event was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity for students and faculty to come together. For educational institutions, moments of shared enjoyment can be just as important as classroom learning for building a cohesive and supportive atmosphere.
A Partnership for a Cause
The success of the event relied on a key partnership with a local business. Hays Pizza Hut was responsible for preparing and providing all the pizzas for both schools, a significant logistical undertaking. The collaboration demonstrates how local businesses can work alongside non-profits and community institutions to achieve a common goal.
Beyond supplying the food, Hays Pizza Hut made a commitment to contribute to a charitable cause. The restaurant pledged to donate 15% of the proceeds from the large order to the family of Sergeant Heimann. This dual-purpose approach allowed the event to serve the schools while also channeling financial support to a local family in need.
Business-Community Collaboration
Partnerships between businesses and schools are a proven model for community enrichment. According to various studies on corporate social responsibility, such initiatives can lead to improved student morale, increased brand loyalty for the business, and a stronger, more interconnected community. This event in Hays is a practical example of that model in action.
This initiative highlights a growing trend of corporate social responsibility at the local level. By integrating a fundraising component into their service, Hays Pizza Hut transformed a simple business transaction into a meaningful act of community support, directly benefiting the family of a local service member.
Supporting the Heimann Family
A central focus of this collaborative effort was to honor and support the family of Sergeant Heimann. While the schools received the direct benefit of the meal, the financial contribution from Hays Pizza Hut was directed entirely to the Heimann family. This gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the community's respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of military members and their families.
In communities across the country, local support systems are essential for the families of service members. Events like this fundraiser provide not only financial assistance but also a strong message of solidarity. It shows the family that they are not alone and that their community stands with them.
Acts of generosity like this remind us of the deep bonds that strengthen our Hays community and our shared commitment to caring for one another.
The decision to support the Heimann family was a deliberate choice to recognize their contribution to the community and the nation. It transforms the event from a simple school lunch into a tribute to service, allowing students and staff to participate, even indirectly, in an act of collective gratitude.
Embodying Shared Values
Officials from both Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary noted that the event perfectly embodied the core values their schools strive to instill in students. These values include faith, service, and community. By witnessing the partnership between the Dreiling Trust and Hays Pizza Hut, students could see a real-world example of these principles in action.
The collaboration serves as a practical lesson in civic responsibility and compassion. It illustrates how different parts of a community—a charitable foundation, a local business, and educational institutions—can unite to create a positive impact. Such events help foster a sense of belonging and encourage a spirit of giving among the younger generation.
Ultimately, the pizza lunch was a symbol of unity. It brought people together to share a meal, celebrate their community, and support a family in a meaningful way. The schools extended their sincere thanks to both the Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust and Hays Pizza Hut for their generosity and for setting a powerful example of community spirit.
