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Schools

Tickets on Sale for Lemont Educational Foundation Mardi Gras Event

School District 113A foundation's "Mask-Er-Aid" Feb. 9 will benefit local schools.

Get out your masks and beads because the School District 113A Educational Foundation has a new event planned for this year. The good times will roll at the Mardi Gras Mask-er-Aid scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club.

Mask-er-Aid will feature “The Blooze Brothers,” a 12-piece show band. A menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a limited open bar are also included. Signature hurricane drinks will be available for a special price.

“We thought it was time to mix things up, and Mardi Gras makes for a really fun party,” said event organizer Michele Metzler. “The band puts on a great show, and we know they will get the crowd going.”

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Guests are encouraged to go all-out decorating masks, or the foundation will provide them for a fee. The event’s auction will feature one-of-a-kind decorative masks designed and created by Lemont School District 113A students.

River Valley teacher and Louisiana native Sonja Raymond shopped her favorites on a recent trip to create two more auction prizes packed with straight-from-the-bayou delicacies. She will also no doubt provide expert advice as students create their masks.

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“We wanted to get the staff and students more involved with the event this year,” said foundation president Mara Tunzi. “The response has been enthusiastic, and we can’t wait to see the final designs.”

The tickets, priced at $65 each or $120 for two, are currently on sale at district schools, through Foundation board members, and on the Foundation website (www.sd113afoundation.org). Masks can be requested for $10 each when purchasing a ticket.

Proceeds from the event fund grants that will be awarded to faculty this spring. Grants provide resources and programs not covered by the district’s operating budget. The foundation has purchased technology including Mimio Teach Systems, iPads and document cameras, as well as software licenses, art materials and in-school field trips.

The foundation also relies on donations from the community and local businesses to support its efforts. Additional funding is provided by underwriter sponsors Oxbow Midwest Calcining and John Piazza Country Financial. Oxbow’s $10,000 grant funds programs and materials to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curricula. A $5,000 Country Financial grant will also be distributed this year.

Several Oxbow grants were awarded in November, 2012, including High Touch-High Tech workshops for first- and third grade, a Shedd Aquarium field trip for seventh grade, and Brain Pop software for Oakwood School.

The School District 113A Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity. The goal of the foundation is to provide educational materials and programs beyond the operating budget of the school district. Since 2010 the group has awarded more than $60,000 in grants.

For more information visit www.sd113afoundation.org.

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