The Valparaiso Schools Foundation held its annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Saturday night at the Old Town Banquet Center with wine, spirits and beer for everyone to sample.
“The Valparaiso Schools Foundation raised $15,000 last year surpassing the goal of $12,000,” Executive Director Amy Burton said. “We want to raise between $15,000 and $18,000 this year.”
One grant that was given went for a kiln that was provided for a teacher at Northview. Several iPads have been given out and another example is the diversity mural that is being painted at Valparaiso High School. The money raised will help with the supplies that art students will need for the mural. The mural is located in the commons area and is going to open up discussion on diversity at VHS.
There was more than just wine and beer to sample and purchase; the Foundation auctioned off both silent auction items and also auctioned several things on the spot. Some of the big ticket items included two Notre Dame tickets for Nov. 3, four Disney Park-Hopper tickets, jewelry from Engstrom Jewelers and plenty of sports memorabilia.
Jennifer Buck took delight in modeling the jewelry from Engstrom saying, “I have my eye on these, they are just beautiful pieces.”
President of the Valpo Schools Foundation Steve Buck remarked of the event, “This is how we are able to give nearly $30,000 in scholarships to VHS and nearly $12,000 in grants for teachers. With the tight budget that the schools are under these days, it is very important to have these fundraisers so Valpo can maintain educational excellence.”
Retired teacher Valerie Townsend, who worked at Cooks Corners for 25 years then Flint Lake for 15 years before retiring, said that she is excited that there is a Valparaiso Schools Foundation that gives teachers the opportunity to apply for a grant to help fund programs, activities and gain supplies for the classroom.
“I know of one teacher that received a grant about a year ago and that grant helped to set up a listening center for third graders,” she said. “A small group of students can sit together and listen to a book on tape.”
“We sold 360 tickets. This is a really fun event with great food, wine, beer and spirits and there are also great auction items,” General Manager for Indiana Beverage [North Coast Distributers] and Board Member of the Foundation George Douglas said.
Douglas continued, “We have a great partnership with Lucas at Triangle Liquors and Trail Inn Liquors and their suppliers. As a member of the Foundation it makes me feel good to see all the support with sale of all the tickets. It just shows all the community support for what we do as a Foundation with the schools, teachers and students.”
To contact the Valparaiso Schools Foundation to give a donation or to find out more about upcoming events email Amy Burton at aburton@valpo.k12.in.us or call or write 219-531-1135, 3801 N. Campbell St. Valparaiso, IN 46383.