In 1996, the Sisters Schools Foundation was created to respond to major budget cuts and tax-limiting measures that threatened programs and activities at public schools across the state. The Foundation's first fundraising event was the Sisters Starry Nights Benefit Concert Series, which debuted in 1997, has now celebrated twelve seasons. Created by Jeri Fouts and Susan Arends, parents of Sisters students, the event continues to be managed entirely by community volunteers. In this era of budget cuts and a continuing crisis in public education funding, this is one community's way of finding a proactive solution and working in harmony on behalf of its children.

The concert series features headline performers who donate their talents to help Sisters schools."A crowd-pleasing Starry Nights tradition takes place at each show when student performers from Sisters Elementary, Middle and High School perform in special numbers with Starry Nights headliners." Starry Nights crowds have been treated to shows featuring such artists as: Lyle Lovett, Kenny Loggins, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Rodney Crowell, Keb' Mo', Lee Ann Womack, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Hiatt, Kathy Mattea, Nicolette Larson, Leslie Satcher, Hanna-McEuen, Suzy Bogguss, Kim Carnes, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Deana Carter, J.D. Souther, Bob DiPiero, Kenny Rankin, Karla Bonoff, Matraca Berg, Greg Barnhill, Mark Collie, Jeffrey Steele, Al Anderson, Gary Morris, David Wilcox, T. Graham Brown, David Jacobs-Strain, Stephen Bishop, Chely Wright and Kenny Edwards.

To date, Sisters Starry Nights has raised more than $910,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation. The revenues have funded a variety of programs including music, art, science, athletics, reading, math, technology, outdoor school and other vital co-curricular and classroom activities, while a portion is also set aside each year to help fund an endowment that will provide the foundation with long-term growth.

Tremendous sponsorship support from businesses and individuals have helped make this success possible. Major sponsors are Ray's Food Place, Taylor Northwest, Bank of the Cascades, Clear 101.7 and The Mountain 99.7, Desert Wings Travel, XPress Printing, The Pony Express, The Nugget Newspaper, Leonardi Media Arts, John Reuter Photography, Suntrack Sound, Breedlove Guitar Company and Gearbox. Offering special amenities for the entertainers are Murray and Holt Motors, Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill, Niblick & Greene's, Horizon Air, FivePine Lodge, Shibui Spa and along with many other generous local businesses.

One important aspect of Starry Nights is the involvement of students in the management of the event. This provides event organizers with assistance in key areas, while offering students a unique learning experience. Student liaisons from Sisters High School are a part of the event planning committee each year, and have become a valuable part of the Starry Nights team. Working in coordination with Suntrack Sound are the students of the SHS Tech Crew, who assist in the production aspects of the shows. Students also serve as Masters of Ceremonies, ushers, concessions staff and other key positions during the concert series.

Starry Nights also works closely with student volunteers during the shows, many from the high school choir, band, Americana Project and Leadership Class. A crowd-pleasing Starry Nights tradition takes place at each show when student performers from Sisters Elementary, Middle and High School perform in special numbers with Starry Nights headliners.

Starry Nights extends great appreciation to our performers and sponsors, and the many students, teachers, business leaders, school district employees, volunteers and all those in our concert audiences for making a difference for the children of this community.

Sisters Schools Foundation is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations are tax deductible.