Students in the Hermiston School District created nautical-themed artwork to express appreciation for community support for the Hermiston Education Foundation’s annual crab feed and auction. In its 14th year, the fundraising event is Feb. 1, 2025, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston.

HERMISTON — An evening of fun, food and fundraising for the Hermiston Education Foundation is featured on Feb. 1, 5 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.

Tickets are $50 per person for the surf-and-turf dinner. After a couple of years of serving salmon, crab is back on the menu for the 14th annual event. Diners can also enjoy tri-tip beef. The evening also includes live and silent auctions, door prizes and raffles.

George Clough, an education foundation board member, said money raised by HEF provides funding for equipment, programs and educational experiences not available through the Hermiston School District’s budget. A separate entity from the district, the foundation is directed by a volunteer board of community members who are committed to providing additional educational opportunities for the students.

Education foundation supports students

Since 2003, the nonprofit foundation has funded more than 400 grant requests from HSD teachers and staff to enhance learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. In addition, the foundation sponsored performances featuring the Portland Opera in the fall of 2023 and 2024.

“These events have been offered to students and the community,” Clough said.

In 2017, the foundation established a scholarship program. It now awards eight $2,500 scholarships each spring to graduating seniors from Hermiston. Also, a pair of four-year scholarships ($2,500/year) for students majoring in education was added to the program in 2024. And in spring 2023, HEF began offering continuing education scholarships to classified staff and teachers in the district. According to a press release, more than $183,000 has been awarded to date through the scholarship program.

In 2020, HEF took the reins in presenting Dancing with the Hermiston Stars which features the Utah Ballroom Dance Company paired with local dancers. In addition to adding to the foundation’s coffers, the event serves as a fundraiser for a handful of local nonprofit organizations selected by participating “stars.”

Purchase tickets

For more information about the foundation and a link to buy tickets to the fundraising dinner and auction, visit www.hermiston.k12.or.us/92626_2. Tickets also can be purchased at the door and the district office, 305 SW 11th St. For questions, call 541-667-6000.