March of the penguin party: Cape school foundation holding annual fundraiser

For most Southeast Missourians this is the time of year to stay warm, but for the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation right now is all about being cool. On Saturday the foundation will host the fifth annual Penguin Party.

The event is one of the highlights of the foundation's fundraising campaign, and for Chrisy Wilferth it is not one to be missed. The former Cape Girardeau School District substitute teacher and mother of two Cape Girardeau School District students has attended every Penguin Party.

"The socializing is great," Wilferth said.

There is plenty of it, with a silent auction, a live auction, food and a live band. But according to Wilferth, these aspects pale in comparison to the true value of the night.

"It supports the schools," she said. "With the economy the way it is, fundraisers like this allow teachers to enhance the classroom and invest in kids. Ultimately, the kids really benefit."

The Penguin Party funds innovative teaching grants to provide that classroom enhancement. One, the Great Idea Teaching Grant, allows teachers more opportunity to reach out to their students and their students' families to promote success. Wilferth said this facet of the Penguin Party "is absolutely the best part."

Wilferth isn't the only patron enthusiastic about the Penguin Party. Since its inception, the occasion has averaged more than 150 black-and-white clad participants. Many stick to black-and-white business casual dress, but some get a bit more festive and don parts from penguin costumes along with a fair bit of penguin-styled marching.

Amy McDonald, the foundation's executive director, said she hopes this year will bring 200 people, no matter how bold they are in dress, to the event at the Cape Girardeau Country Club.

There will be food, drinks and the auction, featuring weekends at vacation homes, travel packages to St. Louis, several restaurant and local business deals and more. Once the eating and auction end, the dancing will begin, with the Mike Renick Band making its second consecutive Penguin Party appearance.

Tickets for the South Pole soiree cost $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight. For tickets, e-mail McDonald at director@capeschools.org or call 651-0555.