FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patty Cowan 437-8059, ext 3

CSF DINNER AUCTION RECREATES TENT CITY ERA AT THE DEL
Record Breaking Net of over $178,000 for Coronado’s Public Schools

Coronado, October 17th:  Dressed elegantly in outfits befitting” Music, Madness and All that Jazz,” Coronadans celebrated the Tent City era first in the Crown Room and then traveled through Tent City on the way to dinner while “Celebrating Children” in grand style for the 23rd consecutive year, leaving behind generous funding to the benefit of our community’s public schools.

CSF Dinner Auction Chair Wanda Aurich enjoys the October 13th gala with CHS Math Dept Chair Sandy Fish (right) and her sister Janet Traver (left).  This year a number of teachers including Sandy donated many “priceless” and unique items to the silent auction to benefit Coronado’s public schools. (By Joseph Scott Photography).

The Coronado Schools Foundation’s gala event at the Hotel Del Coronado on October 13th brought characters and settings from the early 1900’s to life when the area where the Shores now stands was historic Tent City.  From the Coronado High School Senior Class Flapper Girls to the CoSA students performing musical hits from that era as well as the Jazz Quartet, and followed by a much-awaited return appearance of Wayne Foster Entertainment whose amazing performers started the evening with a set befitting the era, one guest so aptly commented, “When I sat down for dinner and looked around the room, I felt as if World War II ended yesterday.” 

“More than 550 guests joined us to support the schools and while each year we wonder if we can improve on the event, many guests commented it was the best ever,” commented Dinner Auction Chair Wanda Aurich.  “The ambiance in both the Crown

Room for the silent auction and Upper Grande Hall for dinner befits the era and many stayed till Wayne Foster played the last set.  There was so much energy in that room, folks didn’t want to go home and that matched the financial support generated for our schools,” she added. 
 
“The generosity began with all of the Coronado individuals, school teachers and businesses who donated this bounty of exquisite packages – from art, travel, merchandise, meals, parties and personal services,” said Executive Director Patty Cowan.  “This event takes nearly a year of planning and the outpouring of financial support from this one special night will be felt in our classrooms for years.”

Foundation officials say a record $178,000 net proceeds from the event including a special appeal for science programs that generated nearly $28,000 from 41 generous donors, with donations ranging from $2500 to $100.  “When you add these funds to the Lipp Family Foundation’s fall grant of $30,000 for science and math, our schools will have the funds to provide innovative hands-on science equipment for all grades,” noted Kevin Nicolls. CUSD Administrator who chaired this initiative.   “Over 35 Coronado teachers, support staff and administrators were at the event and we were elated to see the ongoing support of both parents and community members, many of whom no longer have children in the schools,” added Nicolls.   

Each year the gala also recognizes community leaders who have given selflessly and completely to Coronado Public Schools. Bill and Joanie Huck, longtime supporters of the Foundation and the community in many ways, were honored as Honorary Chairs of the event.  “Bill and Joanie exemplify the fabulous support of community members for our public schools,” noted Foundation Board President Jeffrey Kob.  “It was gratifying to thank them publicly for their many significant contributions,” he added. 

Kate Sappenfield Receives Merchant of the Year Award

Since 1989, the Foundation annually presents a Merchant of the Year award to a community business member who had contributed significantly to our public schools through the Coronado Schools Foundation.  This year’s recipient Kate Sappenfield was  presented the award by  Phil and Pam Hammett, 2006 recipients.  Kate has been an active participant as a financial supporter for both the Dinner Auction and the Telethon for over a decade.  She recently joined the Foundation’s Planned Giving Society by including the Foundation in her estate and has provided lending services for Coronado residences for over 20 years. 
“Bill and Joanie Huck and Kate Sappenfield are exemplary community leaders in supporting public education in Coronado,” said CSF President Kob.  “The CSF Celebrate Children gala is a perfect venue for our parents and community members to recognize leaders of this caliber, “he added. 
Hummer H3 stays in Coronado
Last but not least, Coronado’s own Bob Plumb drove away in the Hummer H3 Electric Golf Car that night and Garner Mabry won the Holland’s Bicycle Tandem Bike.  Since both were fully donated, these opportunity drawings raised over $21,000 for Coronado’s public school children.   “We can’t thank the five families enough who underwrote the Hummer and Tyler and Eddie at Holland’s who are always so supportive of our schools,” added Executive Director Cowan. 

To view photos of the event by Joseph Scott Photography, visit www.partypics.com , and type in the password:  csfgala07. The Coronado Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization with 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status, has supported academic excellence in Coronado Public Schools since 1982.  To make a donation for the Science Fund an Item initiative or to the general fund, please contact Executive Director Patty Cowan at 437-8059 or visit www.csfkids.org. 
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