February 15, 2006
Rockin' school fund-raiser
Montessori Children's House auction raises more than $100,000 for scholarships
By Kristen Hains
Special to the Herald
Confucius say: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
For Becky Kalajian it began with a 27K race and a third place finish in the VASA before "stepping" out to the Montessori Children's House where she was co-chair of the school's annual fundraiser.
Kalajian admits that it was a bit to tackle in one day, but said the results of both events made it worth the effort.
This is third year that Kalajian and Missy Russell have co-chaired the annual Montessori fundraiser. This year's theme "All Shook Up" took a nostalgic trip back to the 50s, with a live-auction hosted by "Elvis" and his sidekick, "The Fonz."
Held in the area of the school known as "The Barn," the event transformed the space back to the 50s, complete with miniature coke bottles, 45 records and yes, even a couple of poodle skirts.
"We had a table that was full-on 50s with 'Peggy Sue Got Married' and Elvis," she said. "It was hysterical."
The event, now in its 14th year, features both a live and silent auction as well as a raffle. Two of the event's highlights are a slide show, which features children of Montessori Children's House and a souvenir photograph that each parent receives of their child. This year's photos were mounted on round photo mattes and placed in the sleeves of 45 speed records.
Kalajian and Russell worked together on the fundraiser four years ago and, after having so much fun, decided to co-chair the event the following year. And while they may not have intended to helm the project for three years in a row, the two had an obvious knack for fundraising. "The team just stuck together year after year every year," she said. "When we said 'oh my gosh I think we're done', somebody would mention a cool idea for a theme and we're like 'OK we can do that.'"
Kalajian is the first to admit that it wouldn't be possible without the support of the Montessori families and community and corporate donations. "We rely almost exclusively on our families in many ways," she said. "First of all, as our volunteer core. Second, we ask, and our parents generously give, all of our auction items."
But it doesn't stop there.
"We solicit (auction items) from the parent body," she said. "Then, of course, they come and spend money and buy those things back."
One example of this commitment came during the live auction. Kalajian noted that Jim Pierce (who's three grandchildren attend the school) had donated a custom-made child's playhouse. However, when the bidding reached $5500, Pierce agreed to construct a second playhouse. The two playhouses added $11,000 to the auction total.
Colleen Christensen, Director of Operations and Admissions, remarked that the success of the event is a direct reflection of the commitment of the families at Montessori. "The Gala is run 100 percent by parents," she said. "It's their organization and commitment to the school that makes it so successful."
Kalajian said getting involved in activities at Montessori is something that just happens when you become a part of the community there. "I think anyone who has their child at Montessori can't help but want to participate, " she said. "The school is amazing ... everything there is for each child's individual (needs)."
This year more than 200 people attended the event, which grossed over $100,000. The money raised will directly benefit the school's 250 students.
"Approximately 17-20 percent of the student body receives scholarship money," Kalajian said.
"When Gretchen (Uhlinger) and Colleen (Christensen) opened the school, they looked at the make up of the community and 20 percent of kids needed assistance. When they opened their doors they said '20 percent of our students will always receive financial aid.'"
Each year as the fundraiser is being planned, volunteers know that their efforts will directly reward their children.
"That money is earmarked for (scholarship) as well as curriculum enrichment in the classroom," she said. "It touches students directly."
And now as the decorations are being pulled down from this year's event Kalajian said thoughts are already turning towards the next fundraiser. "The night of (the event) or the day after we start thinking about the next year, but the hard work really begins two to three months before the event," she said.
Oh, and for anyone's who's wondering ... Elvis has left The Barn.