Matthew Dicks, a West Hartford Public Schools teacher and award-winning storyteller, will emcee the ‘Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge’ fundraiser on Feb. 6, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools is announcing the launch a new fundraiser this year – the Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge – designed to bring participants together for a spirited event featuring brain-teasing fun in support of the nonprofit organization.

“The Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge invites teams to test their knowledge across a variety of topics, all while supporting the Foundation’s mission to enhance the classroom experience and promote excellence for West Hartford Public School students by financially supporting innovative educational programs in our schools,” the announcement of the event states.

The Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge will be held in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. Matthew Dicks, a teacher at West Hartford’s Wolcott Elementary School and an award-winning storyteller, will emcee the event,

Teams are invited to register online, with a total number of four to eight members per team suggested. The cost is $36 per team, or $30 per team if a West Hartford Public Schools student is on the team. The event is recommended for ages 8 and up.

The Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge will include multiple interactive rounds of trivia, with questions that range from p0p culture, to history, to West Hartford-related knowledge. Themed attire – such as dressing in school spirit wear – is encouraged.

Top-scoring teams will receive prizes, and all participants who register by Jan. 20 will also receive a t-shirt. Light refreshments, including desserts and beverages, will be served.

“The Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge is an exciting new opportunity to showcase the vital role the Foundation plays in supporting our public schools and our community,” Foundation President EJ Greenspan said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring people together for a fun, family-friendly event that combines friendly competition with a meaningful cause – supporting the future of education in West Hartford.”

The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools is a 501(c)(3) organization. Since its founding in 1997, the Foundation has provided more than $2 million in grants to teachers and schools at all levels, including pre-k and post-secondary. The Foundation “is dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in education by funding projects that the school budgets cannot otherwise cover. Proceeds from the Hearts and Smarts Trivia Challenge will provide resources and opportunities that inspire creativity, curiosity, and success in the classroom,” the event announcement states.

To learn more about the Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.fwhps.org and follow on Instagram @foundation4whps and on X @foundationWHPS.

For more information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or prize donations, please visit https://fwhps.org/page/hearts-and-smarts-registration or contact Kristin Johnson, Administrative Director of the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools, at 860-561-8755 or [email protected].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.