School Foundation banquet brings in $35,000

     It was an evening of bidding, tailgating, reminiscing, and sharing in a collective feeling of Panther Pride.

     On Saturday, March 2, the Monticello School Foundation held it’s annual dinner and banquet. However, this year’s event began a new tradition.

     The dinner this year was themed “Monti Gras Black and Red Pep Rally.” Attendees were encouraged to wear their Monticello Panther gear, showcasing their school spirit. The room was a sea of black and red.

     The theme carried on throughout the Berndes Center with a spread of food fit for any tailgating party. There was also a photo booth where people used a wide array of props to pose for photos commemorating the event.

     Foundation board member Chris Brokaw made mention of another board member, for whom the evening would not have been possible.

     “It wouldn’t have come together tonight if it weren’t for one of our board members who really drove the them home,” said Brokaw in honoring Annette Smith for her determination.

     A new feature at this banquet this year was the “Wishing Wall.” Teachers and staff submitted various small funding requests for their classrooms, ranging in price from $50 to a couple hundred dollars or more. In addition to bidding on auction items, many people visited the Wishing Wall and chose to help fund these specific purchases as well.

     The Wishing Wall is something the Foundation board plans to continue each year.

     This year’s School Foundation Banquet brought in $35,000. Of that, $8,750 was Wishing Wall fulfillments. It was another successful year!

     The honor of the evening went to June and Paul Fellinger of Monticello. The couple was recognized for their long-time dedication not only to the Foundation dinner every year, but to the many school events year round.

     Smith presented the plaque to the Fellingers.

     “We strive to honor those who have selflessly given of their time, energy, and sometimes financial support, to the community, school district, and students in particular,” said Smith. “This year we have chosen to recognize the people who have made a direct impact to enhance each special school event.

     “June and her husband Paul have worked diligently behind the scenes creating an atmosphere and experience that makes memories for the students, their parents, and other members of the community,” continued Smith.

     The Fellingers have assisted in setting up for and decorating not only the annual Foundation dinner, but homecomings, proms, school concerts, and other school banquets.

     “There are few special events that don’t have their personal stamp on them,” added Smith.

     Smith and “Grandma June” and Paul offer their time and talent when needed, and take special delight in making sure their grandkids enjoy their special events associated with the school.

     “That’s why we’ve chosen to recognize a selfless and energetic supporter of the children of Monticello,” Smith said.

     Several MHS graduating classes were acknowledged this year. Wanting to bring back the feel of the Alumni Banquet, classes from 1939 to 2019 were encouraged to attend. There was one member from the Class of 1939 present: Eunice Jacobs of Marion. Three classmates from the Class of 1949 were also in attendance: Ruth Harms, Marge Stubbe, and Marleen Etten.

     There were also tables for several members of the Classes of 1999 and 1969.

     This was the 14^th year for the banquet, which helps to raise money to directly benefit the students of the Monticello Community School District.

     The Foundation has been helping the district meet financial needs for over 30 years. Between 1992 and 2018, the Foundation contributed over $700,000 to enhance educational opportunities for the students.

     Their mission: “To provide funding for projects and programs not funded by using school budgets, with emphasis on academic areas.”

     In the past, the Foundation has helped to fund Chromebooks/laptops and computers, band uniforms, science lab technology, reading books for school libraries, the sports complex, the music department, art supplies, and so much more.

     In addition to the banquet, you can also purchase a brick inside the high school auditorium to help keep the Foundation’s perpetual fund growing.

     For more information on supporting the Foundation, call 319-465-5234.