The Starry Night Fund was created in 2020 during COVID to meet the needs of some of the families at Chanhassen Elementary. The first Starry Night fundraiser raised $5,000 and all of that money went directly back to struggling families identified by Principal Lange. Through the generous donations of our school community, we were able to purchase new tires for a family who didn’t have a way to commute to work, purchase grocery and gas gift cards, purchase clothing and school supplies for students, pay utilities for a family and much more. Since then we have continued to ask for and receive donations for the Starry Night Fund and we have directed that money towards:

• Gift cards to Target, Aldi, Cub and Kohls
• Outdoor winter clothing for students
• Clothing, shoes, backpacks and supplies for students
• Additional needs that arise

All of the money raised through the Starry Night Fund is given directly to Chanhassen Elementary students and families. Principal Lange, Social Worker Ashley Maxwell, and Chan El teachers identify the needs and they work together with the Chairperson of the Starry Night Fund to meet those needs.

We are fortunate to have such a caring and generous community at Chanhassen Elementary. We have seen the positive impact of these donations through the smiles of the students when they wear their new coat to school or are able to enjoy recess with their peers because they have winter boots to keep their feet warm. We have seen the gratitude Chan Elementary families feel because of a gift card they received from their own community reminding them that they are seen, cared about and loved.

The Starry Night Fund does so much more than just give a donation; it allows a struggling student or family to feel cared for by their school community.