Fundraiser Brings In Money

For SHS Classroom Cameras

By Kendra Bobowick

A wine bottle clicked against the rim of Jodi Valenta’s glass. She turned to her friend Leanne Connors and they raised a toast and smiled. Squeezing behind them to attend guests in the Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room on Saturday, March 12, Newtown High School culinary graduate Matilda Dean offered a tray of butternut squash, pasta, and smoked Gouda appetizers.

Filling the banquet hall were parents and supporters of the evening’s PTA fundraiser to contribute to the purchase of classroom document cameras for Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Event cochair Christine Doscher said, “We like to have a goal or cause in mind for the fundraiser, so we brainstormed for what the school could use.”

The cameras, which do the job of overhead projectors, were the answer.

Reaching for something bite-sized from a passing tray of hors de oeuvres Saturday, school Principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung agreed that the PTA had “wanted something different, and targeted a school need.” The cameras can “help teachers bring students’ work to life.” The cameras will also interact with other electronic learning devices in the classrooms.

Commenting on the evening’s silent auction, wine, food, and guests, Ms Doscher said the evening was a success. “Having the whole community support is always nice.” She mentioned the wine vendors, including Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor, the many restaurants and businesses that contributed gift baskets and gift certificates, and various other services that contributed to the fundraiser.

Guest and education assistant Karen Wilk enjoyed the opportunity to “get parents together with the staff in a social way,” noting that the scenario was “good for everybody,” to be part of the school community.

Registering guests Saturday were Kerrin Hage and Tracey Jeager, who also welcomed residents coming out to taste wine and support the local elementary school. Jan Stoltz and Francine Wheeler mingled and sampled food and wine Saturday, as culinary grad Alex Caracciolo walked by with a tray of quesadillas. Glancing at the tray she carried were school supporters Siobhan Frieary and Lindsey Bruno.

Across the room with another tray of finger foods was server Sam Holteland, serving guests including Andrew and Shari Paley. Kimberly Benson also sipped her wine and joined in.

Sampling their wine before leaning in to read the description of one silent auction item were Boyd and Danielle Feltman, while guests Angela Thill and coordinator Laurie Antons stood nearby.