Ni Hao. That means hello in Chinese. One of the many things I have learned while on my Auction Chair adventure. There is a lovely gentleman I see daily in the entry of Forest Park. He doesn't speak English, and I don't speak Chinese. But, Sunday while at Starbucks for an Auction meeting, I had one of the best conversations of my life with this wonderful, non- English speaking Chinese gentleman. I learned he has a grand daughter in Ms. Schiada's class, that his daughter is maybe an ex-ray tech, and he pretended to be an airplane to explain the cost of a round trip ticket from Portland to Shanghai. If you see him in the hallway, don't forget to bow and say Ni Hao. The response you will get will be totally worth it.
At every turn in my Auction Chair adventure I am amazed with the dedication and loyalty parents, friends, teachers, and staff have for Forest Park Elementary, and The Foundation.
Last Friday morning, surprise surprise ,offered another Auction meeting. I was to meet my Donations Closet Coordinator and Data Entry volunteers. How surprised I was when I learned that the Jerry Werbner person I had been speaking to via email, was none other than the guy who was selling the super cool sunglasses, during the Forest Heights garage sale. Jerry's loyalty does not stop with the tremendous gift of time he gives, but as Jerry put it," I am a Jewish man who buys Christmas wrapping paper to support the fund drives." Jerry, that is loyalty and complete dedication. You crack me the heck up.
Mika Thomas is going to head the Donation Closet. She is ready, willing, and totally able to get up to speed in anything we may need from her. Want to know what else makes her cool? As well as two children in Forest Park, she has a two year old always in tow, and even though her dance card is very full with motherhood, she finds time and energy for the call to raise funds for Forest Park Elementary. In my book that is an incredible amount of dedication. In fact, as a mother of six children, I know this is a true gift of the heart.
May I introduce to you again Mrs. Anne Brandenburger? She was your 2009 Auction Chair, and this year she is my Operations Chair. Really it's a co-chair position that gets absolutely no glory. I just discovered that what Anne gets for being my Operations Chair is the privilege of not having time to eat dinner, or visit during the auction. There probably isn't a glass of wine in her future that evening either. So, Anne will make sure the evening runs smoothly, will work her pa-toots off, and doesn't even get to partake in the event's meal. THAT is dedication and loyalty at his highest.
Mr. David Cohen and Lee Anna Jones take days off work to take pictures of our children. Once David has amassed, oh about 600 pictures, he puts them into a slide show with music. Thank you very much "Dr's" David Cohen and Lee Anna Jones. I understand that you didn't have patients on Friday when you helped me take pictures of the teachers. But, I think the lab work you put aside was probably pretty important as well. What dedication and loyalty. I thank you you both.
Many of our teachers have let me take wacky pictures, cause I have a goofy invitation and catalog idea. My Auction Chair adventure has led me to see who likes the beach, who wears a tiara on her days off, and Mr. C sliding down the school yard slide with a Starbucks. That one will be in the slide show, and it's worth seeing. (stop reading and go to on-line ticket purchasing at www.tiny.cc/getaclue) Again, dedication and loyalty for what we all have in common. Our children.
My right arm and walking Auction know-how manual is Amy McMahon. Did you know that Amy has been involved with the Foundation for centuries? Okay, maybe not that long. But, she and her husband Brad have been a huge part of The Foundation for many years. Remember, The Foundation earns dollars needed to help pay for additional staff for our school. Currently, the Foundation funds 2.5 full time employees. As well, money raised provides technology instruction, test preparation, music, P.E. and counseling. One third of all funds raised goes directly to the Portland Schools Foundation, an umbrella organization that provides grants to close achievement gaps between students throughout the school district. Every auction dollar is a true gift to the children. Without Foundation dollars Forest Park would be forced to cut programs and services."
Thank you Amy and Brad, it has been a pleasure meeting and working with you. If you see them in the halls, be sure and thank them for their years of volunteer work.
Two lovely ladies that must have a mention are Aimee Watkins Litch and Jennifer Bearham Mills. Without them we would not have the priceless artwork our children produce for the Foundation Auction. Thank you ladies, you rock.
Check back frequently to learn about your neighbors, friends, staff, and businesses and how they have contributed to the Twelfth Annual Forest Park Elementary School Foundation Auction. I expect to have many experiences as I continue with my Auction Chair Adventure.Next week I will plan to introduce Denise, Marianne, Missy, Hester, Susan, Rachel, Beth,Deone, Quinn's Prime and Vine, My son Nic, and the PTA.
Finally, the nitty gritty. The Twelfth Annual Forest Park Elementary School Foundation Auction is February 27, 2010. The theme for the evening is a Mystery Theater. Yes, there will be a mystery, and you may be a suspect. You can purchase your tickets on-line at www.tiny.cc/getaclue. We are putting together a pre-auction so stay tuned for further information.
Don't forget about the Wine Cellar. We need your donations of wine. Please make sure each bottle has a value of at least $15.00. You can drop them off at the Prime and Vine, or call Hester Capriotti for a pick up. 503-203-2682, or hestercappriotti@comcast.net Our goal is 100 bottles of wine this year. Please help us exceed it. Thanks Hester, the Wine Cellar is a favorite event at the auction and no small job.
Oh, and don't forget to continue to think about what you can Donate to the Auction and your classroom Baskets. Your support benefits the most important people in our lives. Our children.
Happy Holiday's,
Laura
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