Highline Schools Foundation raised over $13,000 during the Wednesday, May 15, GiveBIG annual fundraiser. All money raised will support Highline Public School students in academic achievement, classroom enrichment, the arts in schools, athletics, college & career readiness, and more, according to their website.

The Seattle Foundation‘s GiveBIG is a one-day, online charitable event benefitting nonprofit organizations. In 2011, $4.1 million was raised through the first GiveBIG to support over 900 nonprofits. Last year, on May 2, 2012, $7.4 million was raised in 24 hours. The Seattle Foundation reports that his year, $11.1 million has been raised.

In addition to the Seattle Foundation, presenting partners included Microsoft, the Bezos Family Foundation, Seattle International Foundation, Seattle Sounders, and Wyncote Foundation NW. There were also media partners, lead sponsors, and supporters.

All GiveBIG donations receive a percentage of the matching funds (or "stretch") pool. This percentage depends on the size of the stretch pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day.

A special promotion took place May 15 at Burien's Tin Room Bar. Those who came in and donated to Highline Schools Foundation on a computer set up by the entry between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. received a pint of Manny’s Pale Ale, a Brat Trot t-shirt and other give-aways. The beer was courtesy Georgetown Brewery, which donated a keg. Helping at the computer were Foundation trustees including Burien-raised David Baisch who lives near the bar.

"This fundraiser is important to me because I am a Highline High School grad, and my wife, Hannah, is a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Parkside (in Des Moines)," said Baisch, who works with Marriott International's sales team.

Also helping at the Tin Room was trustee Erin Ambrozic, who happens to be the daughter of King County Council Vice-Chair Julia Patterson.

"The Tin Room has always been a big supporter of ours," said Ambrozic, a SeaTac Parks & Rec employee. "I went to Highline schools K-12, Valley View, Chinook Middle School, and Mount Rainier. I was born and raised in SeaTac, and moved to Des Moines after college. I believe in helping and giving back. This is a great board."

Ashley Fosberg, Foundation Executive Director, has three children in Highline Schools. Hawaiian-born, she is a Navy brat and was sitting across the table from Marine brat, Kristen Kerns, Foundation Board Member and President-elect.

Said Kerns, who was recognized this year as Volunteer of the Year at the Cove to Clover race, "I live in Normandy Park. My kids go to Highline Schools and I'm passionate about helping kids in the area."

Dan House, owner, Tin Room Bar and Grill, and the Tin Theater, was a lively, enthusiasctic presence at the fundraiser there.

"I'm a Highline High School grad," he said. "I love the schools. It's the one thing I care the most about in this community. If we didn't have great schools then we'd have a bad community. We need great schools."