HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
WELCOME
THIS IS HILLMEN COUNTRY
Nestled in the heart of downtown Auburn is one of the most historic and beautiful high schools in California. For more than 125 years, Placer High School – home of the Hillmen – has been an integral part of Greater Auburn. It is exceptionally woven into the very fabric of our community – educationally, culturally, socially, and economically.
Providing the margin of excellence between state funding and an outstanding learning environment is the Hillmen Foundation, an independent, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Supported by generous alumni, businesses, civic groups, and community donors, the Hillmen Foundation benefits all students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities. It also serves as the alumni association for Placer High, connecting generations of graduates with those who shaped their most memorable teen years.
WELCOME
THIS IS HILLMEN COUNTRY
Nestled in the heart of downtown Auburn is one of the most historic and beautiful high schools in California. For more than 125 years, Placer High School – home of the Hillmen – has been an integral part of Greater Auburn. It is exceptionally woven into the very fabric of our community – educationally, culturally, socially, and economically.
Providing the margin of excellence between state funding and an outstanding learning environment is the Hillmen Foundation, an independent, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Supported by generous alumni, businesses, civic groups, and community donors, the Hillmen Foundation benefits all students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities. It also serves as the alumni association for Placer High, connecting generations of graduates with those who shaped their most memorable teen years.
HIDDEN HILLMEN
JOIN THE HUNT FOR HIDDEN HILLMEN!
"Have you heard of 'Where's Waldo'? Well, now it's time to play 'Hidden Hillmen' on our website!
We've hidden our mascot in different corners of five unique pages. Some easier than others, so keep your eyes peeled!
Find all five Hidden Hillmen and then make your way to our 'Hidden Hillmen' page to complete the submission form. For each correct answer, you'll earn an entry into our fantastic prize draw. A total of six entries are up for grabs - one for submitting the form and one for each of your correct findings.
Just remember, the Home Page and the 'Hidden Hillmen' Page are not where our mascots are hiding. Good luck and happy hunting!"
If you need any hints you can find some fun riddles on the Hidden Hillmen Page. Click the bottom below to find the hints.
OUR FOCUS
IMPACT AREAS
Ensuring students have an exceptional learning environment that propels them into successful futures beyond high school is at the heart of the Hillmen Foundation’s mission.
Promoting athletic achievement and life-long health are important legacies of Placer High, the Auburn community, and the Hillmen Foundation.
Advancing a well-rounded education requires enrichment beyond the classroom, including programs supporting at-risk youth, student clubs, campus activities, leadership opportunities, and so much more.
Connecting generations of alumni with the Auburn community and those who shaped their formative teen years at Placer High is an important objective of the Hillmen Foundation.
Enriching Placer High through modernized equipment, improved facilities, strategic programs and special projects helps our school and community thrive.
IN THEIR WORDS
THE IMPACT OF YOUR GENEROSITY
The Hillmen Foundation has provided the music program countless instruments that we would otherwise have been unable to provide our students. Vibraphone, Marimba, Marching snare drums, professional Bach trumpets and more have given our students the opportunity to excel and bring up the quality of our program. The Foundation has been incredible to work with for my 17 years at Placer. I have never seen an organization that does more for a school.
Dave Lawrenson
Music Director
Last term I had the pleasure of taking Mrs. Gardetto’s marine biology class, which was very exciting for me as I am taking up a career in this field. This class gives me a head start and an idea of where I want to work towards. This Marine Biology class has provided us with a unique opportunity to explore and understand the captivating world beneath the ocean's surface. One of the most significant aspects of this class is the hands-on experience it offers. Through field trips, laboratory experiments, and interactions with marine experts, we have been able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Amazingly, the Hillmen Foundation's support has allowed for chartering a bus to see the Northern Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park. Hiking with a ranger volunteer in close proximity to so many of these unique marine mammals was truly inspiring and life-changing. Thank you Hillmen Foundation for making this experience possible for Placer High School Marine Biology students.
Anna Wilson
Class of 2025
The Hillmen Foundation has played a vital role in supporting Placer High School Athletics. Like everything else, the cost of maintaining a high-quality athletic program is rising. The Hillmen Foundation has helped us maintain the standard of excellence in athletics that has become the norm here at Placer. From upgrading our scoreboard in Lefebvre Stadium to providing new golf bags for our boys and girls; golf programs and helping to defray the cost of replacing safety equipment for football, the Hillmen Foundation has supported Placer High School Athletics for decades. I have been a teacher and coach at Placer for 31 years, and the impact of the Hillmen Foundation can be seen in all aspects of Placer High School. I do not know of another community-based organization that does as much for its school as the Hillmen Foundation does for Placer.
Mike Sabins
Athletic Director/Class of 1984
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics has been an experience and one that I don't think I will forget. I get to learn and hear about different ways people were taught. I get to see their point of view and everyone has a voice. I personally, as well as my classmates, get to know each other better and that helps us learn. When I go to other classes I hope I can have the same amazing experience.
Kaylee Woodland
Class of 2028
WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
YOUR FINANCIAL IMPACT
Every donation, regardless of size, will positively impact Placer High students, our community, and life on the Hill. All contributions to
the Hillmen Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal tax laws.
$900,312
$639,587
$180,386
$83,105
$46,551
$24,736
$304,809
$260,725
23
$30,000
BLOG
THE HILLMEN HUB
Explore Placer High School's vibrant academics, activities, and athletics, keeping you connected to the staff, students, and valued alumni, uniting a passionate community supporting the school.
Placer High School is poised for a transformative chapter with the appointment of Jaime Jackson this summer as its new Principal... More
Placer High School stands as both a vital landmark and essential part of our community history, boasting a rich legacy spanning 126 years... More
One of the most rewarding things about being a teacher is fostering a student’s growth over the years. Seeing goofy, awkward freshman become confident seniors is a true pleasure... More
EVENTS
HILLMEN HAPPENINGS
Hillmen Happenings is your gateway to upcoming events and activities, connecting you to
Placer High School and the Hillmen Foundation's exciting engagements throughout the year.
Thank you 1974 Placer alumnus and Taco Bell franchise owner Gary Lyon for securing a $10,000 Taco Bell grant!
Saturday, August 17, 2024: Placer Hillmen Football Boosters’ Kickoff Fundraiser Dinner. 6-9 pm at the Tavern at the White House, 130 Maple Street in Auburn. Tickets can be purchased from any player or by going to the following link: Kickoff Dinner 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024: Hillmen Foundation Tailgater BBQ. Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hillmen Foundation at a fun BBQ and fundraiser before the Varsity football game. The festivities are from 5-7 pm at the School Park Preserve (behind City Hall). Purchase your tickets by August 23 and save $10 per ticket. Great sponsor and donor benefits, too! Purchase tickets and learn more at Hillmen Foundation Tailgater
Board members Bob Burge, Jess Johnson and Bob Rogers representing The Hillmen Foundation at the annual Hillmen Showcase school orientation for 8th graders who'll be incoming Freshmen in the fall. These young students and their parents showed great interest in our organization that will benefit them during the course of their Placer High experience.
The Hillmen Foundation was honored to receive a $5,510 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support youth at Placer High School and the Auburn community. The funds will go toward the school’s Vault program designed to inspire and teach student leadership, team building, and problem solving by addressing – peer to peer – the mental health, emotional, and cultural barriers that can prevent students from excelling in high school and beyond.
The national grant opportunity was championed by Gary Lyon, a 1974 graduate of Placer High School. “As a Franchise of Taco Bell, we partner with the Taco Bell Foundation to collect donations from our customers using the Round Up Program and we use those donated funds to support our youth in our communities,” said Lyon. “The Taco Bell Foundation recognized the Hillmen Foundation as one of the programs along with the Placer County Boys and Girls Club, as the exact type of program that we like to support. Thanks to all the Volunteers and members that help support our youth.
”The Hillmen Foundation is one of more than 450+ youth-serving organizations that received a portion of the $15 million in Community Grants presented by the Taco Bell Foundation this year. The grants are an example of the Taco Bell Foundation’s mission to break down barriers to education and fuel young people’s boldest ambitions. Thank you to Gary and the Taco Bell Foundation!
In the best of times, in the worst of times, at all times… It’s great to be a Hillman!
OUR MISSION
The purpose of the Hillmen Foundation is to support Placer High School in the areas of academics, student activities, and athletics, including the staff, students, and alumni endeavors of the school; to stimulate gifts of service, endowments, and bequests; and to maintain an association of persons interested in Placer High School.
FOCUS
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