Anacortes Schools Foundation is launching its first major fundraiser next month with “Celebrate the Season,” a family-friendly event set for December 6 and 7 at the Port of Anacortes Event Center.
“We hope that ‘Celebrate the Season’ will become an annual tradition for our community and allow us to broaden our fundraising efforts,” stated Art Shotwell, ASF Board President and co-chair of the event. “We’re providing activities for kids and kids at heart– have a photo with Santa compliments of Walgreens, complete a craft, enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate provided by Chandler Square, shop for unique hand-made gifts or come to our ‘Dream It Dinner’ on Saturday evening . . . all helping to support significant school district programs,” Shotwell explained.
“Many students are helping to create the holiday atmosphere that will guests will enjoy at the Port Center by painting large ‘Christmas trees’ and creating special glass ornaments. Some of middle school and high school students are fielding teams for the gingerbread decorating contest and will be on hand as helpers on Friday and Saturday public days,” Shotwell continued. “We’re thrilled at the great support being offered by many of our local businesses.”
Each day of the event offers a special highlight. On Friday, December 6 there is a Gingerbread Decorating contest for both adult and student teams. The adult teams battle it out from 11 am to 3 pm, and student teams go from 3 pm to 5:00 pm. Finished creations will be judged by a panel of community leaders, with awards being announced at the Chamber’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 pm.
On Saturday December 7, from noon to 2 pm, after the annual Lion’s Holiday Parade, along with photos with Santa, crafts and games and refreshments, kids and their families have an opportunity to decorate gingerbread house of their own.
The “Dream It Dinner” on Saturday, December 7, is the signature event of the celebration. Doors open for registration at 5:30 PM. This evening features a catered dinner, a lively auction followed by entertainment by the A-Town Big Band. “I’ve been involved in a lot of fundraisers, but most were for individual schools, this event allows us to leverage our volunteer talent for the benefit of the whole district,” commented Kim Post, Dream It Dinner chair.
“There is already a buzz in the community. Our dinner will be catered by Gere-a-deli with a generous gift from Trident foods,” she continued. “The school district is a significant part of our community and insuring there is enrichment money means it can continue to provide opportunities for our students that have helped to position it as one of the top districts in the state.”
Tickets to the public days and the dinner are available at John L. Scott Realty, Read Me a Story or Johnny Picasso. Prices are $5 per person/$20 per family public days, and $35 per person for the dinner fundraiser.
Sponsors of the event include the Port of Anacortes, Trident Seafoods, Fisher and Sons, Chandler Square, Synergy Sports, Walgreens, Skagit Island Orthopedic Clinic, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, The Market and Home Depot.
Anacortes Schools Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization with 501(c)(3) status. ASF was established in 1984 and benefits students at all levels with college and vocational scholarships, early learning support and STEM enrichment opportunities. All proceeds from the “Celebrate the Season” event will support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs of Anacortes School District.