Coronado Grants "Immunity/Community" Necklaces to Coronado's Public Schools Tribal Leaders/Principals

CORONADO – Would the greater Coronado community come forward to support local public schools at the 22nd Annual Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) Telethon on March 24th?  The answer was a resounding “yes” as the final tally presented just after 9 pm was $162,137, more than double the amount raised just five years ago. “This year’s Telethon presented by Time Warner Cable exceeded our expectations, both the talented acts performing inside the Coronado High Theatre as well as the carnival-like atmosphere with food and games for kids of all ages in the Quad,” commented Spiro Chaconas, CSF Board President.  “Thanks to the leadership of our talented staff and board, and over 1,000 students and teachers who performed both live and taped acts, the energy level throughout the night helped us Survive and Thrive.” 

The packed Theatre went black as the beat of the drums brought the event live with the entire fifth grade from Village Elementary brought a tribal beat to life, with Steve Patrick on the drums and choreographed by Amy Steward, both fifth grade teachers.  Celebrity Host Jane Mitchell, Channel 4/Padres returned to host the event along with “Tribal Leaders”, each school’s principal.  “Having the site principals co-host each hour for the second year helped to bring the message home of how important these funds are to the academic success of our schools,” noted Terry Farrelly , CSF Board Vice President.   “And our donors responded with record donations from around the country thanks to the live Internet streaming for the first time.”  

 “From the onset of the planning for this year’s Telethon, we felt the Survive and Thrive theme was perfect for the serious economic reality not only our school district but districts across the cash-strapped state find themselves in,” said Bill Cass, Silver Strand Elementary “Tribal Leader” and Principal.  “CSF provides funding for enrichment programs, staff development and instructional materials that have a direct impact on the quality of our academic programs available to our staff and students.  These programs at every school provide the foundation and connection that make CUSD the top ranked district in the county.  The Technology Resource Teachers that CSF provides at each campus not only run our elementary school computer labs, but train teachers on the latest technology and collaborate across all grade levels.”

Development Coordinator Sarah Lynch worked with Technology Resource Teacher Ramona Loiselle to launch a “Vote for My Tribe” social networking competition between Coronado Middle and High School students, resulting in over 55,000 hits to the CSF website with CMS narrowly surpassing CHS.  CMS Tribal Leader Principal Jay Marquand took the trophy back to Coronado Middle School until the 2011 Telethon.  Board Members Terry Farrelly and Carla Bacon along with Project Intern Nicole Villanueva managed the K-5 100% Participation Program which brought in nearly $6,000 toward the record tally.  “Both programs increased awareness as to the Foundation’s mission and helped us bring in record funding,” added Farrelly. 

“With Time Warner Cable back as presenting partner, there is a real synergy between Time Warner’s philanthropic STEM goals (science, technology, engineering and math) and our school sites strategic plans,” said CSF Executive Director Patty Cowan.  “Producing Partner Martial Arts America again contributed $5,000 for the fifth consecutive year, a significant financial boost for our schools.  We encourage our parents and community members to support the businesses who strongly support public education including Hour Partners Business Products Express, Hotel del Coronado, Village Pizzeria/Mootime/Beach n’ Diner/Bayside Pizzeria/Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q,  and Willis Allen Real Estate.  With the support of our Underwriting Partners – Wells Fargo, Spiro’s Gyros, Mullins Orthodontics, The Frensdorff Group, Chicago Title, Coronado Training Center, Alexander’s Pizza and Sun Isle Realty – our business partners contributed $26,000 to the record tally. And we are pleased to report that the longboard donated by Island Surf was won by Steve Johnson and family.” 

Roving Reporter Fred Eckert noted an upsurge in Quad activities, thanks to the creative work of CSF Board Member Susan Ceci.  The dunk tank returned thanks to NJROTC Islander Company with a variety of “dunkees” including Mayor Casey Tanaka and CHS Principal Karl Mueller as well as many teachers and sports coaches.  Lured by a $1,000 donation to the cause, “mom” Kristina Fink soon found herself drenched in the dunk tank.  Brad Couture and Kathy MacDonald helped drum up support while children enjoyed  the fun and great food at the CSF Food Court managed by CMS Teacher Jennifer Landry as well as the CHS Senior BBQ with many parents working the grills.