The cowbells and telephones were ringing as the Issaquah Schools Foundation held their Oct. 20-21 Calling for Kids fundraising campaign to fill in the budget gaps for local schools.

Over 150 students from Issaquah, Skyline and Liberty high schools made phone calls at the Costco call center in Issaquah each night, soliciting support from area parents and past donors for ISF programs that benefit the Issaquah School District.

Run by ISF fundraiser co-chairs Leigh Stokes and Deborah Parsons, the effort brought in $235,200, combined with pledges that had already been made prior to calling. ISF Executive Director Robin Callahan said students raised over $54,000 on their first night. Even ISD Superintendent Steve Rasmussen was there, sitting in a cubicle making calls.

“He’s always been a terrific supporter for ISF but this is the first time he’s called people on our behalf and did a great job,” said Callahan.

“He is the one who can really speak to the value of the Foundation to the District in this time of funding shortfalls and declining state funding.”

The students were supported by teachers and parents, keeping them supplied with drinking water, sweets and a ring from a cowbell once they announced a successful donation had been made.

Meanwhile, Costco employees smiled and quietly went about their work while the event ran from 5-9 p.m. The Issaquah-based company donated the space and use of their equipment to the foundation.

“I can’t imagine what we’d do without (their support),” Stokes said.

Students asked for a suggested donation of $60, but accepted any amount as a pledge or an online payment. Organizers say only 15 percent of district parents have made donations to the ISF in the past and Callahan said the effort is an attempt to raise the level of parental involvement. It moved up the Calling for Kids campaign from the spring and are directing the donations to all school district programs supported by the foundation, such as Academic Enrichment grants that pay for school supplies — such as chemistry beakers or pipettes — and scholarships to pay for teacher development programs such as National Board Certification.

One of the students dialing for donations was Issaquah High School senior David Erickson. The president of the school’s DECA business club, this was his third time volunteering for an event he described as “fun and hanging out with friends.”

“I’ve had teachers who have gotten grants because of this,” he said. “It makes a difference.”

Erickson’s volunteer efforts won’t do unnoticed by the ISF — the foundation also donates $25 per volunteer from the proceeds to support their affiliated school sports team or club.

There were a number of generous donations. But few were bigger than several thousand dollars pledged to Mt. Si senior Ryan “Farm Boy” McDonald through a family foundation. He volunteered with Skyline students Daniel Seil and Charlie Engel, both teammates of his on the Skyline lacrosse team.

“Where is that cowbell?” he said, grinning.