Jackson school foundation launches new Red and Black Affair fundraiser Saturday

As the Jackson R-2 School Foundation builds its funds brick by brick, it will start another new fundraising activity.

The foundation will hold its first Red and Black Affair on Saturday at the Arena Building. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., includes food and music by Mid-Life Crisis.

"We're looking for a good crowd of alumni and patrons of the school district," said John M. Thompson, president of the foundation's board of directors.

Thompson and other alumni gathered Friday at the high school's Trail of Honor to dedicate the trail of bricks that connects gymnasium and event center. The trail is a campaign to raise funds for the foundation, which primarily awards grants to teachers.

Members of the class of 1970 dedicated the first brick to their classmate Marybeth Williams. She served on the foundation's original board of directors and was the secretary for six years. She was also the executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce until her death in 2008.

The foundation also hosts a golf outing and other fundraisers throughout the year. Last year the golf outing raised more than $14,000, a record amount, Thompson said. In total, the foundation raised about $30,000 last year, said Wade Bartels, the district's chief financial officer who also helps administer the foundation. The organization has 14 board members.

Bartels said the foundation is hoping for 200 attendees at the first Red and Black Affair.

He said Saturday's event is expected to raise between $4,000 and $5,000.

Each year, the foundation awards about $10,000 in grants to teachers. Bartels said the foundation also contributes to the Jackson Chamber of Commerce's Teacher of the Year award. The organization also hopes to establish a scholarship fund.

For reservations to the Red and Black Affair, contact the board office at 243-9501.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

614 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO