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The 5th. Annual Black Tie Event to support The Fenton Public School Education Foundation was a great success. This event - after expense - has contributed over $135,000 to the school foundation in the past five years.
The foundation was established by a Grant from The State Bank and we are very grateful for their foresight and unmatched assistance in establishing the Fenton School Foundation. The Black Tie event would also not be possible without the generosity of the French Laundry.
We announced the foundation has received an anonymous individual gift for $62,500 to be applied towards the establishment of an endowment to name the FHS Gym in Honor of Coach Leroy Decker.
The donor has agreed to match dollar for dollar any donation until we reach the target endowment of $125,000. An invitation was extended to all who would be interested in becoming a donor for this special recognition of Leroy Decker and to support the Fenton atheletic program.
Interested parties should contact Peggy Yates or Joe Kryza.
The foundation announced its contribution to date of $65,000 to the International Baccalaureate program. The early student enrollment figures for Fenton indicate a strong increase, in the neighborhood of
80 – 100 additional students.
The foundation believe this increase in enrollment is due to the reputation of Fenton Schools' programs, facilities, and staff. A cornerstone of which is the commitment to the principles of the International Baccalaureate program. The education foundation applauds this commitment to IB.
Peggy Yates made a special presentation to Dr. Robert Burek for his years of Service to the Fenton Community. Dr. Burke was surrounded by his family: wife Sally, daughter Wendy and husband Mike Locasio from Chicago and daughter Amy also from Chicago.
Pete Vance had the honor of giving the Petruska Life Time Achievement In Education award to Don Beck. Don was surounded by his family, wife Carol, daughter Elizabeth and husband Joseph Mzronzinski from California and son Andrew Beck and guest Katie Stoehr. Don’s brother Larry flew in from Boston to celebrate his brother's achievement.
Also in attendance were previous honorees Ruth Beardsley ( The State Bank Community Service Award) and Neal Mcphee and Wife Bell (Lifetime Achievement in Education award).
The tickets for the Beck and Burek Family were generously donated by The State Bank, The Petruska Family, Jim Andros, Ken Wensel, Raymond James and Associates, Jim Kruzan, and Laura Paige.
Mark Hamel, owner of The French Laundry introduced the wine selections for the evening. Chef Jody Brunorie introduced the Seven Course meal.
Pat Lockwood gave the invocation. Joe Kryza and Pat Lockwood are Co-Chairs of the Event.
The following families were recognized for each making $5,000 contributions to dedicate a classroom in honor of a teacher.
A classroom has been named in honor of the following teachers:
- Chuck Pilar by the Rick Koester family
- Ray Ladd by the Tim Hiscock family
- David Cook by the Kali Holcomb family
- Barbara Toonder by the Joe Kryza family
Jerry Stiles was recognized for his $5,000 gift to the Athletic Foundation.
The Fenton Cross Country team helped with set-up. The school administrators served as valet parkers. The award plaques were made by the Fenton Art Department.
Mission of Foundation:
- To create an alternative revenue source for programs beyond today's educational funding model. We want to enrich the educational experience. To date, the foundation has made over $48,000 worth of individual teaching grants to 39 different classrooms.
- To strengthen the bond between the school and the community, by recognizing the contributions of community members and to facilitate in the experience of learning and the value of life long education. We established the Athletic Foundation 2 years ago and have already received $45,000 in contributions. This year, the athletic foundation began granting monies back to the athletic programs.
- To celebrate and support the Arts. This year we will establish an Art Foundation Headed by Kristen Pointers and Pam Bunka.
Other Donors to the Black Tie dinner included:
- BrenMar Construction and Brent Williams
- Smith Peabody Stiles Insurance (company)
- Gerych's for the beautiful table setting
- Imaginique Studios - Paul and Mary D'Aigle - complimentary photographs of each attendee.
- The Tri County Times and Allied Mailing & Printing
- The Fenton Cross Country team and coach Todd Mills
- Sweet Variations for specially design chocolates
- The UPS Store
Joe Kryza invited all to mark their calendars now for the 6th Annual Black Tie event to be held Thursday September 9th, 2010.
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