(Seguin) — Letting “the good times roll” was indeed the name of the game at this year’s Seguin Education Foundation Mardi Gras Gala as it reports one of its best fundraising events if not the biggest thus far.
Not only did it have record attendance but more importantly, it had secured future funding for innovative learning opportunities for the students of the Seguin ISD. That’s according to Kelly Follis, SEF executive director.
“We knew it was going to be a great night at the outset,” said Kelly Follis, SEF executive director. “We walked in the door with a record amount of sponsorships in the bank and ticket sales indicating a huge crowd would be coming out to support our event. Our silent auction was off to a fantastic start, generating plenty of online bids. The coliseum looked festive and lively…”
We were ready to let the good times roll! Net proceeds of close to $60,000 were more than we’ve seen in years thanks to the support of our community and sponsors! We are overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who made it possible!”
The event held on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Seguin Coliseum was made complete with all your Louisiana favorites including hurricanes, gumbo and bread pudding.Follis says adding to the festivities was a series of other fun fundraising efforts.
“One highlight from the evening was the rousing game of heads-or-tails. It was pretty exciting and kept partygoers laughing and buying strands of Mardi Gras beads to stay in the game for the privilege of taking home the beverage wagon prize. However, what’s more exciting is going to be watching the money raised being put to good use for the benefit of our students,” said Follis.
The SEF is a 501c3 organization that funds grants for teaching “outside the box” in the Seguin ISD. This fall, the SEF funded 22 grants totaling $50,000.
The SEF’s other major initiatives are to provide a $50 bill to each new teacher at the beginning of every school year and a scholarship banquet for the top 1 percent of the graduating class each May.
Follis says while folks went home with great prizes, the big winners from the SEF Mardi Gras are the students who benefit from those “extras” that will help them develop a lifelong love for learning.
“The SEF board of directors worked hard to bring in sponsors, auction items, and their own elbow grease. And the hard work paid off! It was truly a great night to be a Matador!” said Follis.
Next up for the SEF is the Race for Education 5K, anchored at The Backyard on April 2. Information about sponsorship, volunteer, and race registration is available on the SEF’s Facebook page. Contact Follis at the SEF office at 830-379-0325 or kfollis@seguin.k12.tx.us with questions or for additional information.