Jackson schools foundation fundraiser is Saturday

It will be another affair to remember this weekend for the Jackson R-2 School District Foundation.

The second annual Red and Black Affair, a fundraiser for educational and community projects, will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau.

Mid-Life Crisis returns to provide the music at the cocktail-attire mixer, with heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages served from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

"We are really excited about this year's event," said Wade Bartels, chief financial officer for the Jackson School District. He also helps administer the foundation.

The independent not-for-profit organization grants money for educational projects, helps students pay for extracurricular activities, funds in-kind donations for capital projects or equipment and increases scholarship funds available for graduating seniors.

The Red and Black Affair is designed to support the foundation's second goal, financial support for students without the means to pay for extracurricular activities.

"We want to set up a fund where we can help students do more," said Linda McKinney, secretary of the board for the foundation. "The state doesn't pay for these things, so we have to come up with the money to help kids go on trips."

Last year's inaugural event drew about 175 people. As of Friday, some 220 tickets had been sold, McKinney said. The 2010 Red and Black Affair was such a hit that organizers booked the Arena Building and the band the Monday after the fundraiser.

"It's right around Valentine's Day, so it gives couples the chance to dress up and have a nice evening," McKinney said.

Cost of the event is $50 per person, $100 per couple and $400 per table, seating up to eight. Tickets are available at the Bank of Missouri in Jackson. For more information, call the Jackson School District office at 243-9501.

mkittle@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO