HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn
Community…and Beyond
HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn
Community…and Beyond
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.
AUBURN STATE THEATRE
Join us for a fun-filled family evening as the Hillmen Foundation and the
State Theatre team up for a special screening of the classic hit Footloose!
This isn't just a movie night—it's a chance for the Placer High School community, alumni,
and the greater Auburn area to come together, reconnect, and support a great cause.
Whether you’re an alum looking for a nostalgic night out, a current student ready to dance along,
or a community member who loves supporting local initiatives, this event is for YOU!
Proceeds benefit the Hillmen Foundation, supporting Placer High School
students through academics, athletics, activities, and alumni initiatives.
So grab your friends, wear your best ‘80s attire if you’re feeling festive, and
let’s dance the night away—Kevin Bacon style!
👟 Let’s hear it for the Hillmen! 👟
Thursday
MARCH 20, 2025
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Admission: $15 Adults $10 Students & Kids under 12 (Hillmen Foundation Fundraiser)
Tickets: Available at the door or AuburnStateTheatre.org 530.885.0156
Location: Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 12261/2 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
OUR FOCUS
IMPACT AREAS
ACADEMICS
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.
ATHLETICS
Promoting athletic achievement and life-long health are important legacies of Placer High, the Auburn community, and the Hillmen Foundation.
ACTIVITIES
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.
ALUMNI
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.
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
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.
$1,069,484
TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 2025, INCLUDING...
$736,759
GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...
$211,630
ACADEMICS
$110,540
ATHLETICS
$82,694
ACTIVITIES
$27,086
ALUMNI
$304,809
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*
$332,725
TOTAL AWARDED
31
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$41,000
FOR 2025 GRADS
*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation
EVENTS
THE HILLMEN HAPPENINGS
Explore The Hillmen Foundation's coming events, uniting a passionate community supporting
Placer High School.
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.
Hillmen Foundation Awarded 2025 Taco Bell Foundation Community Grant
HILLMEN FOUNDATION RECEIVES $10,000 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT NEW BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AT PLACER HIGH SCHOOL
The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants in 2025 nationwide. Current award marks the third consecutive year that the Hillmen Foundation has been selected as a grant recipient.
Hillmen Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The $10,000 grant will help launch a Business Leadership program at Placer High School, a new course that combines and builds on the strengths of the school's peer mentorship and leadership programs, preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.
"This grant from the Taco Bell Foundation allows us to launch a program that doesn’t just teach leadership – it creates leaders who care deeply about their school and community, “said Kari Uno, Placer faculty member and head of the new Business Leadership program. “Our students will be engaging in real-world projects that develop their ability to communicate and lead with confidence, proficiency, and purpose.”
Launching this school year, Uno said the Business Leadership program will serve more than 100 students per term from a range of backgrounds. Students will participate in classroom curriculum and projects that build skills in communication, business writing, project management, collaboration, public speaking, and professional leadership. Through activities like peer mentorship, organizing new student orientation and special events, delivering TED-style talks, mock interviews by community members, and spotlighting community heroes and business leaders, the program aims to develop capable, thoughtful leaders equipped with the communication and leadership skills needed beyond high school.
Business Leadership is a dual enrollment program where participants earn high school and college credits simultaneously. This allows participants to complete college requirements faster and at no cost – expanding educational access, improving economic mobility, and preparing students to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow. The new program is also a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, allowing participants to take a certification exam through YouScience, a platform that identifies aptitudes and validates proficiency in key business skills. This certification serves as a valuable credential when entering the workforce or pursuing higher education.
The Hillmen Foundation was nominated by 1974 Placer High graduate and area Taco Bell franchise owner Gary Lyon, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with the Taco Bell Foundation and engage our customers in giving back through the Round Up Program,” said Lyon. “The funds we raise go directly toward strengthening youth programs that uplift and empower our local communities. Organizations like the Hillmen Foundation embody the kind of meaningful impact we’re proud to support. This grant reflects the dedication of so many Placer High faculty, staff, volunteers, and neighbors who are committed to helping young people in the greater Auburn area grow, thrive, and reach their potential.”
This is the third consecutive grant to the Hillmen Foundation from the Taco Bell Foundation to support efforts that enrich student leadership education and opportunities at Placer High. In total, the Taco Bell Foundation has provided $25,000 over three years to support Placer High through the Hillmen Foundation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Gary Lyon and the Taco Bell Foundation for their continued support of the Hillmen Foundation and the students at Placer High School,” said David Odom, Hillmen Foundation Board Chair. “This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when businesses, volunteers, and communities come together to invest in young people.”
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”
To learn more about the Hillmen Foundation, please visit hillmenfoundation.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit: https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.
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
Academics
Athletics
Activities
Alumni
Special Projects & Initiatives
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