UPDATED: 2020 MEF Major Saver Campaign ends

by | Mar 4, 2020

Major Saver Card 2020UPDATE: Closing out 2020 Major Saver Campaign
Due to Merrillville schools closing to comply with the Governor’s COVID-19 orders, new procedures for parents and students to submit their campaign orders has been laid out by the Major Saver company. Please download instructions here.

Small Card, BIG Results. The Major Saver 2020 card is now here and ready for sale beginning Thursday, March 12th! Students will be selling $10 cards in person or you can order your card online.

The Merrillville Education Foundation is once again excited to be offering Major Saver discount cards for sale through the Merrillville schools. Conveniently keep the mini card on your keychain, or download the Major Saver app for Android or iOS devices so you can always take full advantage of all of the great discounts the card offers. You’re no longer limited to just savings in the Merrillville area. Going to Chicago or Indianapolis for the weekend? Open your app and take advantage of savings there too!

Students in the district will be selling $10 cards with over 20 local BOGO or discount offers, and THOUSANDS of offers nationwide on the Android or iOS apps! Students in grades K-8 will start selling cards Thursday, March 12th thru Tuesday, March 24th. High school students will be selling cards from Friday, March 20th through Monday, April 20th. (more…)

Eat at Old Chicago for our monthly “first Tuesday” fundraiser through May

by | Dec 9, 2019

Mark your calendars to enjoy a great meal, while at the same time supporting the Merrillville Education Foundation!

On the first Tuesday of the month through May, 2020, enjoy dinner at Old Chicago Restaurant, 740 E. 81st Street, Merrillville, between 6-9 p.m., and ten percent of your net meal charges will be donated to MEF by Old Chicago.

These are the five fundraising upcoming dates in 2020:

  • January 7
  • February 4
  • March 3
  • April 7
  • May 5

The proceeds from our Merrillville Education Foundation Charity Night at Old Chicago Restaurant will support our ongoing mission of supporting new, unique and interesting educational experiences for Merrillville students in and out of the classroom.

3rd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon a great success!

by | Oct 23, 2019

3rd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon a great success!

2019 Sponsors | 2019 Photo Gallery

The Merrillville Education Foundation sponsored the third annual Walk-A-Thon on October 12, 2019, at the Merrillville High School Soccer/Track and Field Area. Many thanks to all who came out for it even on a cold and brisk morning!

We had almost 100 participants in the “Better Health, Better Minds” event , and it was a tremendous success. While participants walked to raise funds for teacher grants, everyone got some good exercise, many prizes were given out, and a fun time was had by all.

One hundred percent of the donations benefited Merrillville schools. We would like to thank the following people for their generosity and support:

  • Merrillville students, families, and staff for raising money and coming to the walk
  • Merrillville teachers, support staff and principals for spreading the word
  • Business and community sponsors for giving donations and prizes
  • MHS Athletic Department for helping coordinate the event
  • MHS Graphic Arts Department for creating the posters, banner, and T-shirts
  • Volunteers from the Merrillville High School Cheerleaders for giving of their time
  • Merrillville Education Foundation Board Members for doing what it takes to make it a success

Special congratulations to Iddings third-grader Cameron Griffin (right), who was recognized and received a gift basket for raising $220.00 in donations for the Walk-a-Thon, the most of any student! Salk Elementary was also recognized for having the most participants.

You can find our Walk-a-Thon sponsors below. Thanks again and we hope to see everyone at next year’s walk-a-thon!

2019 Walk-A-Thon Sponsors
Many thanks to our sponsors of our 3rd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon! With your support, the Foundation continues to provide unique and valuable education opportunities for Merrillville students.

Gold Star Contributors
$1000 or more
Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling

Silver Star Contributors
$500 to $999
Puntillo and Crane Orthodontics PC

Bronze Star Contributors
$250 to $499
Briggs Insurance Agency
Centier Bank
DVG Team, Inc.
George C. Rogge Agency, Inc.
Hugh P. Seller & Frances K. Seller, DDS
McMahon & Associates CPA’s, P.C.
Prudential Financial – Andrew Draper

Purple Star Contributors
$100 to $249
Acme Print Copy Design
Amy Beckham
David Barrick – Real Estate
Fahrenheit 212 Restaurant
Kiwanis Club of Merrillville
Miles and Molly Dunscombe
Pruzin Brothers Funeral Services

Walk-A-Thon Gift Sponsors
Abuelo’s Restaurant
Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc.
Andy Draper
Barb Orelup
Chick-fil-A
Costco
4 Imprint
Fahrenheit 212 Restaurant
Family Express
Gail Nicolini
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch
Jak’s Warehouse
Kathy Martin
Lori Govert
Marisa Smoljan
Mary Hoffman
McDonald’s – Modrak Operating Group
Miller School
Nancy Draper
Railcats Baseball
Sam’s Club
Tiffany Fizer
Tiffany Siggers
White Castle

Register Now! 3rd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon set for October 12

by | Aug 12, 2019

The Merrillville Education Foundation invites you to participate in our 3rd Annual MEF Walk-a-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, October 12, 2019! Participants in the “Better Health, Better Minds” event will be walking at Merrillville High School to raise funds for MEF teacher grants.

DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORM HERE and join us for a day of prizes, food, exercise and fun, while supporting new education opportunities for Merrillville Community School students.

MEF Walk-a-Thon Details:

2019 Sponsorship Opportunities

We are asking for help from community businesses and school patrons to partner with us in this worthwhile endeavor. Please consider contributing in one or more ways to help our cause.

To view suggested sponsorship opportunities, CLICK/TAP HERE for our information letter. We also need gift cards/gift certificates for Walk-a-Thon participant prizes.

Thank you for joining many others in going the extra mile in support of our students, our schools, and our community. Your financial support at whatever level you choose will be greatly appreciated!
  • Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and walking will begin at 9:00 a.m.
  • Location of the walk will be at the Merrillville High School Soccer/Track & Field Area (east of the football stadium). In case of rain, we will walk in the MHS Field House.
  • Minimum participation donation is $10.00 for ages 5 and up. Families can participate as a group for a single fee of $30.00.
  • EVERY participant must submit a signed event disclaimer in order to walk in the event.
  • Participants are asked to walk one mile, but can choose to walk more if they wish.
  • T-shirts for ages 5 years and older will be given to each participant who raises/brings in at least $20.00 in sponsorship donations and submits the registration form and donations to your school’s office by Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Family groups who register for $30.00 by September 25, 2019, will only receive one t-shirt; however, additional t-shirts can be ordered for $10.00 each. Additional fundraising can be turned in on the day of the event, but no t-shirt can be guaranteed at that late date.
  • Participants will receive one raffle ticket for every $10.00 in donations to be used towards prize draws on the event day. Raffle tickets will be given at the time of registration on October 12.
  • This is a family-friendly event open to EVERYONE in the community. Please join us! However, if you are unable to participate, please consider making a donation to MEF.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: We are asking help from community businesses and school patrons to partner with us in this worthwhile endeavor.  Suggested sponsorship opportunities can be found in our information letter.  We also need gift cards/gift certificates for prizes.  Please consider contributing in one or more ways to help our cause.  Thank you for joining many others in going the extra mile in support of our students, our schools, and our community. Your financial support at whatever level you choose will be greatly appreciated!


We hope that this will continue to be a huge community event so we can continue to provide impactful grants that enhance our students’ learning experiences. Teacher grants are awarded semi-annually by the Foundation.

2nd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon a tremendous success!

by | Oct 24, 2018

2nd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon a tremendous success!

2018 Sponsors | 2018 Photo Gallery

The Merrillville Education Foundation sponsored its 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon on October 6, 2018, at the Merrillville High School Field House. It was a tremendous success!

Many thanks to all who came out for it, even on a rainy day! We had almost 100 participants. Everyone who participated benefited from some good exercise. Many prizes were given out and a fun time was had by all. We would like to thank the following people for their generosity and support:

 

  • Merrillville students, families, and staff for raising money and coming to the walk
  • Merrillville teachers, support staff and principals for spreading the word
  • Business and community sponsors for giving donations and prizes
  • MHS Athletic Department for helping coordinate the event
  • MHS Graphic Arts Department for creating the posters, banner, and T-shirts
  • Volunteers from the Merrillville High School Cheerleaders and the MHS STAND Club for giving of their time
  • Merrillville Education Foundation Board Members for doing what it takes to make it a success

2018 Walk-A-Thon Sponsors
Many thanks to our sponsors of our 2nd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon! With your support, the Foundation continues to provide unique and valuable education opportunities for Merrillville students.

Silver Star Contributors – $500 to $999
Puntillo and Crane Orthodontics PC

Bronze Star Contributors – $250 to $499
Briggs Insurance Agency
Centier Bank
DVG Team, Inc.
George C. Rogge Agency, Inc.
Hugh P. Seller & Frances K. Seller, DDS
Mark Lazart, Kris Lazart, & Cory Lazart
McMahon & Associates CPA’s, P.C.
Prudential Financial – Andrew Draper
Prudential Financial – Jeffrey Draper

Purple Star Contributors – $100 to $249
Acme Print Copy Design
Amy Beckham
Barb and Mark Lucas
Bruce Woods
Cari Hooper
Copier Consultants
David Barrick – Real Estate
Geisen Funeral Home
Janis Qualizza
Miles and Molly Dunscombe
Sharp’s School Services

Walk-A-Thon Gift Sponsors
Abuelo’s Restaurant
Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc.
Andrew Kyres – First Financial Bank
Barb Orelup
Chick-fil-A
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Costco
Crete Wellness Center
Fahrenheit 212 Restaurant
Family Express
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch
Jelly Pancake House
Kathy Martin
Marisa Smoljan
Mary Hoffman
Maxim’s Restaurant and Lounge
Miler School
QDOBA Mexican Eats
Railcats Baseball
Rogge Insurance
Sam’s Club
Sharp’s School Services
Stardust Bowl
The Street Family
White Castle
Z’s Shakes and Cakes

Register Now! 2nd Annual MEF Walk-A-Thon set for October 6

by | Jul 17, 2018

The Merrillville Education Foundation invites you to participate in our 2nd Annual MEF Walk-a-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, October 6, 2018! Participants in the “Better Health, Better Minds” event will be walking at Merrillville High School to raise funds for MEF teacher grants.

DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORM HERE and join us for a day of prizes, food, exercise and fun, while supporting new education opportunities for Merrillville Community School students.

MEF Walk-a-Thon Details:

2018 Sponsorship Opportunities

We are asking for help from community businesses and school patrons to partner with us in this worthwhile endeavor. Please consider contributing in one or more ways to help our cause.

To view suggested sponsorship opportunities, CLICK/TAP HERE for our information letter. We also need gift cards/gift certificates for Walk-a-Thon participant prizes.

Thank you for joining many others in going the extra mile in support of our students, our schools, and our community. Your financial support at whatever level you choose will be greatly appreciated!
  • Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and walking will begin at 9:00 a.m.
  • Location of the walk will be at the Merrillville High School Soccer/Track & Field Area (east of the football stadium).
  • Minimum participation donation is $10.00 for ages 5 and up. Families can participate as a group for a single fee of $30.00.
  • EVERY participant must submit a signed event disclaimer in order to walk in the event.
  • Participants are asked to walk one mile, but can choose to walk more if they wish.
  • T-shirts for ages 5 years and older will be given to each participant who raises/brings in at least $20.00 in sponsorship donations and submits the registration form and donations to your school’s office by Monday, September 17, 2018. Family groups who register for $30.00 by September 17, 2018, will only receive one t-shirt; however, additional t-shirts can be ordered for $10.00 each. Additional fundraising can be turned in on the day of the event, but no t-shirt can be guaranteed at that late date.
  • Participants will receive one raffle ticket for every $10.00 in donations to be used towards prize draws on the event day. Raffle tickets will be given at the time of registration on October 6.
  • This is a family-friendly event open to EVERYONE in the community. Please join us! However, if you are unable to participate, please consider making a donation to MEF.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: We are asking help from community businesses and school patrons to partner with us in this worthwhile endeavor.  Suggested sponsorship opportunities can be found in our information letter.  We also need gift cards/gift certificates for prizes.  Please consider contributing in one or more ways to help our cause.  Thank you for joining many others in going the extra mile in support of our students, our schools, and our community. Your financial support at whatever level you choose will be greatly appreciated!


We hope that this will continue to be a huge community event so we can continue to provide impactful grants that enhance our students’ learning experiences. Teacher grants are awarded semi-annually by the Foundation.