Save the Date- 15th Annual Festival of Tables
Article and Photo by Judy Williams
New SAEF Board member Ralph Schumacher listens intently as Caitlyn discusses the check out procedures. Left to Right: Ralph Schumacher, Lyn St.Dennis, Caitlyn Salow, & Jamie Bennett.
The Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation (SAEF) is busy planning its 15th annual fundraiser, the Festival of Tables. Co-chair persons, Chuck Wisman and Carrie Graham are actively organizing and delegating responsibilities. Graham shook her head and stated, “There is so much that needs to be done, I’m just overwhelmed.” Wisman grinned and calmly told her, “Everyone always pulls together and the jobs get done.” The event will be held at Heritage Elementary School on Saturday, March 24, 2018. All proceeds will be invested back into our community via scholarships and grants during the coming year.
Foundation President Jennifer Hammerberg excitedly explained raffle changes for this year’s event with a first place prize of $500 cash, second place $200, and third place $100. Hammerberg said, “The SAEF board believes the all-cash prizes will make tickets easier to sell to non-local people. This change should increase our raffle revenues.” Tickets are available from any SAEF Board member, all Stockbridge school offices, and Jaimie Bennett at SSB Bank.
The evening will include a strolling buffet catered by Chelsea Hospital, decadent desserts by Laura O’Brien Sweets & Treats, and a table decorating competition. Highlights of the evening are auctions, both live and silent, a 50/50 raffle, and a heads-or-tails game.
Help the community and enjoy a fun evening by purchasing a ticket ($35 if decorating the table or $40 and the SAEF will place you at a decorated table) for the event. Lyn St. Dennis clarified, “The tables are designed to seat eight adults, but some groups are larger and some smaller. If the group is smaller, we often will add individuals that are not part of a group to make a table of eight. Larger groups may be assigned to more than one table.”
“This will be our second year of offering an early checkout procedure, thanks to technologies we’ve incorporated for the auction,” SAEF board member Caitlyn Salow said. “Plus, checkout should be fast due to an extra credit card reader and more checkout lanes at the close of the event.”
Another way to help your community and support the SAEF would be to donate a tax-deductible item or service for the auction. To donate, contact Lyn St.Dennis at 734-498-2662 or Bruce Brown at 517-480-4187, email [email protected].
SAEF President Jennifer Hammerberg leads a discussion on raffle prize options. Seated in the back row: Bruce Brown, Lance Chapman, and School Superintendent Karl Heidrich Front: Caitlyn Salow, Lyn St.Dennis, and Jennifer Hammerberg
For further information about the SAEF or the Festival of Tables, please visit our website at www.panthernet.net and follow the SAEF link. Also, you may visit our Facebook page.
Co-chairs Chuck Wisman and Carrie Graham discuss the job assignments.
