The Lansing Educational Foundation is planning to have a ball come Sept. 18, in time for its third biennial gala.
This year, the theme is “Let’s Fly Away: We’ll Have a Ball” and is scheduled to last from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park in Lansing.
The event is a major fundraiser for LEF, a group that provides support to the Lansing School District’s teachers, buildings and programs by offering grants and purchasing equipment that can sometimes be out of the price range of the district itself.
Schroeger said other events sponsored by LEF, like the Nartan Indian Dance Troupe performing Sept. 11 at the district auditorium, help fund other projects, like upgrades to the auditorium itself.
“Eventually the plan is to bring in some big-time performers,” she said.
Mary Alice Schroeger, LEF director, said the gala has a fundraising goal this year of $70,000. Reservations are due by Tuesday and cost $60 for an individual ticket or $600 for the reservation of a table of eight. She said reservations can be made by calling 913-727-1100 or by e-mailing schroegerm@usd469.net.
With a number of activities like an auction with items ranging from University of Kansas sports tickets to spa packages, ballroom dance lessons and a performance from the Olathe, Kan.,-based Abel Ramirez Big Band in addition to cocktails and a dinner, LEF President Tom Young said he hopes there’s something for everyone at the gala.
“It should be something unlike any other party in town,” he said.
The proceeds from the night will benefit LEF in its mission. Young said under the bylaws of the group, at least 40 percent of all proceeds must in turn benefit the school district. However, he said the total has usually been closer to 50 percent or above.
With the $70,000 the organizers hope to raise at this year’s gala, Young said LEF will continue to sponsor its Educate the Pride grants for individual teachers and the grants if offers for buildingwide programs in the district. Both grants have proved to be increasingly popular.
“Every year, more teachers are realizing that these funds are available,” Young said.
Any funds left over after the grants are awarded are put into a fund that LEF uses to provide “major gifts” to the school district. Just before the opening of the new auditorium at Lansing High School, the organization purchased a grand piano for the facility.
The members are currently asking for input on another major gift. Schroeger said ideas for funding range from technology upgrades to funds in support of the New Decisions and after school programs that she said have seen budget cuts this year.
