Fundraisers for Jackson, Cape schools set for Feb. 9

A pair of fundraising events to benefit education projects in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson school districts are planned for Feb. 9 in Cape Girardeau.

The seventh annual Penguin Party Dinner and Auction, presented by the Cape Girardeau Public School Foundation, will be from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Country Club. The Jackson R-2 School District Foundation's fourth annual Red and Black Affair will be from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Arena Building.

Amy McDonald, executive director of the not-for-profit Cape Girardeau Public School Foundation, is looking forward to this year's Penguin Party.

"It amazes me when people come to our event to help the district's teachers and students," McDonald said.

This year's Penguin Party is dedicated to raising funds for the foundation's Great Idea Teaching Grants, used to help Cape Girardeau teachers turn innovative ideas into realities.

"For example," McDonald said, "the foundation has recently approved a request from two teachers at Alma Schrader Elementary School to create a plant and wildlife garden for the school's Outdoor Learning Program. The garden won't be used by just one grade at the school; all of the students there will be able to take advantage of it."

The Penguin Party will begin with a cocktail hour that includes a silent auction and music from Central Junior High School's jazz band. A dinner also will be provided. A live auction and live music from Two Step Eddy follow the dinner.

McDonald said this year's fundraising goal is $30,000.

"We raised almost $20,000 through the auctions and ticket sales last year," she said, "but this year tables are being sold at a good pace. I think we'll sell out."

Meredith Pobst, executive director of the not-for-profit Jackson R-2 School District Foundation, shares McDonald's optimism.

"The Red and Black Affair has grown every year," she said. "This year we're on track for 350 guests at the Arena Building."

Pobst was unable to provide information about how much money was raised at last year's Red and Black Affair, but she said proceeds raised this year will go to the Jackson School District's Technology Fund.

"Technology is ever changing," Pobst said, "and it always needs to be upgraded. What we're able to raise could go toward improving our computer labs across the district."

The Red and Black Affair, limited to ages 21 and older, will begin with complimentary beverages and heavy hors d'oeuvres followed by door-prize drawings and a silent auction. Live music will be provided by the band Mid-Life Crisis.

"It's a great occasion to expand educational opportunities for both students and teachers," Pobst said. "It's going to be a fun time."

Tickets for the Penguin Party Dinner and Auction are $50 or $400 for a table of eight, and are available by contacting the Cape Girardeau Public School Foundation at 651-0555 or director@capeschools.org. Tickets to the Red and Black Affair are $50 per person, $100 per couple and $400 per table seating up to eight, and are available at the Bank of Missouri in Jackson or by contacting the Jackson R-2 School District Foundation at 243-9501.

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