Union Schools Education Foundation Presents ‘Fabulous Night of Surprises!… A Celebration of 100 Years of Union Schools’
SUPPORTING EDUCATION: Working together for Union’s Night of Surprises are, from left, Steve Click, Trustee and presenting sponsor representative; Shea Ludwig, Executive Director, Union Schools Education Foundation (USEF); Darren Burns, President, USEF; Kulsum Siddiqui, Trustee; Lyndsey Reyes, President-Elect; and Chris Payne, Trustee.
With a new event name, this year’s Union Schools Education Foundation (USEF) annual fundraising dinner and auction plans to continue its focus on raising much-needed funds for classroom grants and learning opportunities. A Night of Surprises…A Celebration of 100 Years of Union Public Schools will be held March 7 at River Spirit Resort, 8330 Riverside Parkway. The program begins at 6 p.m.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Hahn Appliances. All proceeds from the event benefit the students, teachers and programs of Union Public Schools and will support the five main areas as specified in the district’s five-year strategic plan, including: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics); community schools; early childhood education; college and career readiness and social-emotional learning.
“Last year’s gala was a record-breaking success,” said Shea Ludwig, USEF executive director. “Thanks to our incredible supporters we raised more than $225,000. This money helped to fund classroom grants focusing on STEM initiatives, technology, the arts and literacy, as well as programs like the Pre-K Transition Camp, Career Connect, Leadership and so much more. We were also able to provide ACT and SAT fee assistance and cap and gowns for graduation when needed.”
Ludwig added, “By participating in A Night of Surprises, participants and donors will help to ensure Union continues to be a leader in providing a high-quality education.”
Besides a silent auction with over 100 items to choose from and an entertaining live auction, there will be several surprises throughout the evening. “We are adding a new element of ‘surprises,’ which should be really fun for our attendees,” said Ludwig. As always, sports memorabilia, dining and entertainment experiences, and vacation get-a-ways, just to name a few, will be available at the event.”
As part of this year’s “Can U?” emphasis, funding will focus on Social and Emotional Learning. “The district has identified this area as one of its top priorities in providing dynamic learning experiences for our students,” added Ludwig. “The idea is to be more proactive in providing counseling and guidance to address the social, emotional and academic needs of all our students.”
Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased at unionfoundation.org/events. For additional information, call 918-357-6014 or email ludwig.shea@unionps.org.
