McGaugh Elementary and its friends group known as Project SEEK (Seeking Excellence in Education for our Kids) are gearing up for the largest fundraiser of the year called The Event. The Event is set for Friday, March 27, at the Betty Reckas Cultural Center in Long Beach with a new black and white theme.
“This year we wanted to change things up in a good way, keep it fresh,” said The Event Chairwoman Jessica Panzica, who is chairing The Event with childhood friend Lauren DeNinno. “We truly believe McGaugh is a special place and wouldn’t dream of sending our kiddos anywhere else,” said Panzica. The Event will feature dinner, DJ, dancing, live and silent auction, premier seating and a new “wine pull,” where attendees have an opportunity to pull a wine cork and win a bottle of wine.
Each year, The Event is completely run on the generous spirit of family, friends and local businesses that donate merchandise, gift certificates, and services. This fundraiser, attended by family and friends of McGaugh Elementary School, has helped Project SEEK raise thousands of dollars for enrichment programs. On Feb. 1, 2015, Project SEEK forward-funded $133,338 to McGaugh Elementary for the 2015-16 school year.
In addition to high academic standards, one unique program to McGaugh is the arts. The art program is in full bloom right now with the fifth-graders preparing for upcoming performances in April’s “Pageant of the Arts.” Each year, one famous artist is selected for study, and McGaugh students spend the year interpreting their version of a famous painting by that artist. “The arts enhance our children’s learning and imaginations by exploring and studying a culmination of artists and art styles,” said art teacher Terri Epps.
Project SEEK is a non-profit friends group founded in 1993 after a series of substantial educational budget cuts. “Funding requirements are increasing every year; therefore, we need groups such as Project SEEK to keep the arts and technology programs alive. Even though it becomes more challenging each year, I think the challenge becomes the motivation. A sense of community motivates me to come back year after year as a volunteer,” said President Lauren DeNinno.
Principal Dr. Jerry Gargus said, “Many public schools in California no longer offer enrichment programs because of budget limitations, but at McGaugh they’ve never been considered “extras.” They are an integral part of what makes McGaugh such a superb school – and a five-time winner of California’s Distinguished School Award.”
All are invited to support this wonderful effort to raise funds for the students at McGaugh. Donations of any kind are most appreciated. Tickets go on sale March 16-25 before and after school at McGaugh. For more information, contact President Lauren DeNinno at laurenadavid@yahoo.com or Chairwoman Jessica Panzica at jessica@katogroup.com.
