To the editor:

The South Whidbey Schools Foundation is thankful to everyone who supported the recent SWSF fundraiser dinner and auction at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.

The 80 people who attended raised nearly $10,000, which will be used for next year’s Innovation in Education Teacher Grants.

Our special thanks go to Jess Foley and the Langley Middle School Jazz Band, who began the evening with their lively music. A first-ever silent art auction, organized by Mary McLeod, included works by students, staff and parents of the South Whidbey School District. The local music and art set the tone for a friendly and engaging evening for all.

Shannon Harvey, South Whidbey High School graduate, Class of 1988, donated her time to speak of her experience as an award-winning principal in the Renton School District.

Harvey reviewed her very positive six years as a South Whidbey School District student, as well as her belief that many positive programs are currently in place now in the district.

Thanks also to three 2009-10 teacher-grant recipients who were able to share a brief overview of their grants: Don Wodjenski, described work on the musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie;” Charlene Suzuki Ray described the significant impact of the “Rites of Passage” program for students at Bayview School and Tim Economu, speaking for co-recipient Jay Fruendlich, described student progress on model solar cars which will be racing on June 19 in downtown Langley.

A special thanks to Heath Gunn, our generous and enthusiastic auctioneer, whose humor helped the attendees laugh while they were donating to the SWSF. We definitely want to recognize the help of Wendy Alexander and the staff at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club, who were flexible and accommodating in every way.

If you weren’t able to attend, but would like to contribute, please go to our Web site, www.southwhidbeyschoolsfoundation.org, and make an online contribution.

Again, on behalf of all the SWSF board members, thanks to all our supporters during the past year; you’ve made a difference in so many teachers’ and students’ lives.

Lisa Bjork

President

South Whidbey Schools Foundation