Annual SAEF Festival of Tables set for March 23

Glen Noble, auctioneer, has donated his time to this event for 15 years.

By Caitlyn Salow & Photos by Judy Williams

The Stockbridge Area Education Foundation will host its 16th annual Festival of Tables, Saturday, March 23, at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Elementary School. This year, the foundation has been collecting sponsorships to cover the expenses of the night in hopes of every dollar raised on the night of March 23 will be directed back to improving and expanding educational opportunities in our community.

Guests will be vying for another year’s worth of bragging rights in the table decorating competition. Musical entertainment will be provided during dinner by the Stockbridge High School Jazz band. No one will leave hungry with the evening’s meal being catered by St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital and the annual favorite of desserts by Laura O’Brien Sweets & Treats. While guests are enjoying the music and food, a wide range of items will be up for grabs in the silent auction.

All of this is the precursor to the night’s main event — the Live Auction. Local auctioneer Glenn Noble and his team will rile up the bidders to get top dollar. Live auction items include trees, vacations, assorted meat packages, power equipment and electronics. Running simultaneously are multiple raffles that offer a chance at winning $500 in the main raffle and various other 50/50 raffles and “Heads/Tails” games. There is surely something for everyone.

To join in on this outstanding community event, gather your group and reserve your table today (a table seats eight) for $35 per person. Want to size up the competition before trying your hand at table decorating? Reserve your table for $40 per person and have a centerpiece provided for your table by Country Petals Floral and Gifts.

Ben Franklin, aka Gordie Kunzelman, will MC again this year.

Reservations should be made by March 15. Registration forms are available at www.panther.net and follow the SAEF link. Registrations also can be made by calling 517-851-8087, or by email to [email protected].

Hundreds of auction items.

Interested in joining Granger Waste Services, American Title Company of Jackson, Mugg & Bopps, Clog-Busters Sewer and Drain Services, and Tracey Hernly-Realtor as a sponsor of the night? Email caitlynbuchhop@@gmail.com for more information.

Can’t make it this year? Raffle tickets for the $500 prize are currently on sale up until the drawing on March 23. You also can donate goods or services for the live and silent auctions. Your donation may be tax deductible, consult your tax professional for advice.

The Stockbridge Area Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization whose purpose is to promote educational opportunities for area residents. Composed of entirely unpaid volunteers, the Stockbridge Area Education Foundation was established in October 2000 by a committee of dedicated residents.