2006 Feast for East:
Successful 'Jeans & Jazz' Draws 500 to Raise $40,000
by Henri Rix Wood
For the Lancer News
The fourth annual Feast for East raised spirits and money to benefit the Shawnee Mission East Educational Excellence Fund. Nearly 500 parents, teachers, and supporters attended the “Jeans & Jazz” event in November at St. Ann’s Gymnasium. Auction organizers still are tallying proceeds, but they estimate the event earned $42,000 for The East Fund. The final figure will be reported in the February Lancer News newsletter.
Forty volunteers assisted the auction, which also featured musical performances by two student groups. As the Shawnee Mission East Blue Notes and the Shawnee Mission East Blue Knights played jazz, auction-goers strolled among tables featuring items including a baseball bat autographed by George Brett, handmade jewelry and home decorations, and offers such as the privilege of hosting for a full year the school’s 7-foot suit of armor known as “Sir Lancelot.” Shoppers also bid on tickets to Chiefs games, vacation packages, and the “Premier Student Parking Spot” on the “Lancer Big Board.”
Between browsing, attendees sampled appetizers catered by McGonigle’s Market, socialized at tables decorated with Columbia blue balloons, and danced to the retro tunes of RECESS.
Event Co-Chairs Laura Jones, Kim Rappold, and Alison Coulson thank contributors and everyone who attended the auction, which is the major fundraiser for The East Fund.
The East Fund provides technology, programs, and professional development that serve SME students and faculty. Recent East Fund grants supported the new SME coffee shop that offers students practical business experience, interactive technology for math and social studies classes, and Web design for the counseling department.
Posted 12/13/06