SchoolPower’s largest and most successful fundraising event last month grossed nearly $256,000 for Laguna’s four public schools.
Kristin Bunn, Melissa Cavanaugh, and Kim Ressler organized the dinner dance held Jan. 29 at the Montage resort. There were silent and live auctions, gaming tables and live music.
In addition, a portion of the evening is dedicated to raising money for the year’s selected Fund-A-Need. This year’s push was for a math software program called SuccessMaker, selected at the recommendation of district leaders, which allows students to work at their own pace. An anonymous donor has made the program available to fourth- and fifth-graders at both elementary schools. Dinner dance patrons were asked to raise their bidding paddles for $60,000 so that the program could be extended to third-graders also. And they did. The Hearts of Montage employee group pledged $10,000. Other donors followed, including Brent and Wendy Nicholson Martini, Holly and David Wilson and George and Susie Wood.
SchoolPower president-elect, Marcus Skenderian, led the 300 supporters in a toast to outgoing president, Robin Rounaghi, who is finishing up her second consecutive term, who accepted a bouquet of flowers and a standing ovation.
Others in attendance included school board President Theresa O’Hare and board member Betsy Jenkins; Superintendent Sherine Smith; Asst. Supt. Nancy Hubbell; and principals Don Austin, Joanne Culverhouse, Ron LaMotte and Chris Duddy.
SchoolPower is still seeking donations for Thurston’s Mac Lab and LBHS’ College Prep summer program. For more info: visit www.lbschoolpower.org or call (949) 494-6811.
