Raising money for programming at St. Mike’s

Commentator/Courier Photo by Justin Seward Easton Collins, Evander Collins and Loki Thacker took an interest in the Star Wars Lego basket that was on display during the St. Michael's auction and supper fundraiser on Dec. 1.

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

St. Michaels School held their “ I love St. Mike’s” themed 15th annual supper and auction in the school’s gymnasium on Dec. 1 to help raise funds for the parent council which in turn goes back to the students.
A new spin was put on the event this year with brief descriptions being put up about what the school has done in the 15 years, where the money has gone and put towards and how the fundraiser has been successful in our community.
“What we do is use the money that we raise and put it towards programs,” said Cassandra Kielstra, auction chair.
“The Missoula Children’s Theatre is one example. It’s a drama production that comes in from the United States. We also use it for technology. In Grade 9, the students are all given their own laptop for Grade 9 through 12 and upon graduation they get to keep it. We also offer the music program to our students through the money that is raised”
The fundraiser is the only one of the year for the school and becomes vital in keeping the students successful in the classroom.
“We like to try and offer new and unique items every year,” she said.
“We have a silent and live auction event. The live auction generates money just from the donations of the students. They all contribute to this evening by bringing in an item for a basket which is auctioned in the live auction.”
Students also bring items that have been made in their art, woodwork or photography classes.
This year’s total raised was $37,000 from St. Mike’s support tags, monetary donations, and auction earnings.