In a lead up to Teacher Appreciate Week later in this academic year, a local nonprofit that supports Lincolnwood School District 74 teamed with an area business to hold a fundraiser that will help shower district educators with gifts and more.
The “PALS and Pints” fundraiser Saturday at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood, in Lincolnwood, drew more than 120 guests.
“Our purpose is to support our school while bringing together our community and that’s what this event is doing,” said Stacey Johnson, president of People Active with Lincolnwood Schools, or PALS.
The fundraiser featured a buffet dinner and dessert station, as well as photo ops. District parents and community members were among the attendees.
“The PALS and Pints event is our second annual fundraiser to raise money for Teacher Appreciation Week and the Cahill Scholarship, and our goal is to raise $10,000,” said Mihra Seta, PALS vice president.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a national time of recognition for educators. This year it will run May 5 to May 9.
PALS is a nonprofit organization that was formed for charitable and educational purposes, including providing distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations, according to the school district website.
“Thanks to the generous donations from local businesses and community members, we were able to offer over 50 items for our raffle, silent auction and teacher giveaways,” Seta said.
Seta explained that in the fundraiser effort last year, PALS was able to do such things during the special teacher honor week as decorate the teacher lounges and stock them with snacks and beverages, cater hot meals, and put together goodie bags and treats for teachers, staff and bus drivers.
“We are also raising money to expand the Cahill Scholarship because last year we had a record number of applicants,” Seta said, adding the, “scholarship is awarded based on merit to current high school students who are graduates of Lincolnwood School District 74’s Lincoln Hall.”
The three-school Lincolnwood School District 74 enrolls some 1,200 students in pre-K to eighth grade.
“Together we create opportunities for connection within the District 74 community; sponsor, organize and/or support District 74 school events and programs; fundraise to benefit District 74; and recruit and coordinate volunteers for programs and projects within District 74,” Seta told Pioneer Press.
Emily McCall, of Lincolnwood, conducted the live auction.
“It takes a village and this village is raising all these kids here (in Lincolnwood schools) and it’s great,” McCall said.
Organizers said PALS is still accepting donations.
PALS member Amy Sherman expressed gratitude for the car dealership allowing use of space there.
“It was so kind of them and thoughtful and we really appreciate it and thank [Zeigler] on behalf of PALS,” she said.
Karie Angel Luc is a freelancer.
