Twenty-five student groups from Beaverton School District high schools will spend Oct. 3 calling donors to the Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) to say thank you.

The calls are the centerpiece of what BEF describes as its inaugural Day of Gratitude. Groups ranging from National Honor Society chapters to theater and band programs will phone past donors. No fundraising pitch is involved.

Students pick up the phone and say thanks.

BEF said the event gives students a low-pressure way to build communication skills while connecting with the community that funds their programs.

The foundation supports academic programs across the district's 56 schools, which enroll about 37,900 students.

Each group that participates will receive funding from BEF to help offset fees and expenses for the school year. The foundation did not specify dollar amounts.

Trevor Hennigan, a teacher at Mountainside High School, said BEF funding creates opportunities for students that would not exist without donor support. Mountainside, with about 1,740 students, is one of the district high schools sending groups to the event. Sunset High School, which enrolls about 1,810 students, is also participating.

Two district students helped plan the Day of Gratitude as BEF summer interns: Alex from Sunset and Emily from Mountainside. The foundation said the internships gave both students career-readiness experience.

Corporate sponsors Columbia, Athleta, Arc'teryx, Fabletics and Chick-fil-A are providing food and prizes for student callers on the Saturday event.

BEF did not announce a location or say how many donors would receive calls. Families and donors who want to learn more can visit beavertonEDfoundation.org.