We often take the sounds around us for granted, like friends laughing, teachers guiding, or music playing. But for many students in St. Louis County, these sounds are out of reach because the technology they need is simply too expensive.

The 2026 Arbeiter Gift of Sound fundraiser has started, and the Special Education Foundation (SEF) is asking the community to help bring the gift of sound to students who need it most.

We hold this annual fundraiser to help students like this one:

"The support is extremely helpful to our child and our family! The new earmolds he received ensure that his ability to hear is at its best, and he is comfortable and confident. Not having to pay for the earmolds means not having to cut into grocery expenses or extracurriculars for our kids. He’s hearing better, and his hearing aids are more comfortable."

Win Great Prizes and Help Others

To reach our $10,000 goal, SEF has put together an incredible raffle for 2026. For the price of a ticket, you aren’t just helping a child; you’re entering for a chance to win a massive St. Louis experience package valued at over $3,000!

The prize list is a "Who's Who" of local favorites. Buy raffle tickets for your chance to win over $3,000 in gift cards to area restaurants, attractions, and experiences.

• For the Foodie: Gift cards to Cooper’s Hawk, Salt + Smoke, Napoli, a wine tasting for eight, and more.
• For the Explorer: A stay at the historic Chase Park Plaza, a round of golf at Norwood Hills Country Club, or some time playing pickleball at Chicken & Pickle.
• For the Shopper: Gift cards to Target, Amazon, Ulta, and Marshalls.
• For the Arts Lover: Tickets to STAGES St. Louis.

Many people think insurance or the government would cover hearing aids for children who need them in school. Sadly, that’s not always true.

Hearing aids, earmolds, and frequent repairs are often considered "elective" by insurance companies or fall outside the scope of what tax dollars can provide. For families already navigating the challenges of special education, these costs can be a breaking point.

When you support the Gift of Sound, you help SEF purchase:

• New hearing aids and replacement earmolds
• Special equipment such as vibrating alarm clocks, and
• Audiological tools that help students take part in the classroom

How to Get Involved

We’ll choose our raffle winner during the week of April 6, 2025. So, the clock is ticking! We have until Friday, April 3, 2026, to reach our $10,000 goal! When you buy your raffle tickets, it doesn't just enter you to win a massive local prize package—it buys hearing aids, ear molds, and more!

Or you can make a direct donation.

Let’s ensure no student in St. Louis County is left in silence because of a "tight budget." Every dollar counts!

Click here to donate, or to buy your raffle tickets before the April 3rd deadline!