Dollars for Scholars fundraiser is a casual affair

Guests who plan to attend the annual Medical Lake Dollars for Scholars (MLDFS) “Spring Thing” fundraiser, March 21, won’t need to dig through their closet in search of their expensive clothes or have to rent a suit or a dress for the event. The theme for this year’s fundraiser, which takes place at St. Ann’s Parish Hall, from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., is “Going Casual.”

“In the past we’ve always done ‘Puttin on the Ritz’ and everyone always dressed up,” MLDFS secretary Alicia Noble said. “This year people can come in jeans and a top or whatever they feel comfortable in.”

This year’s event will once again feature a silent auction with baskets filled by items donated by community members and local businesses. Noble said the schools and district departments will also donate baskets.

“Local organizations and businesses have been helpful with their time, so many people give generously,” Noble said. “The parent volunteers have also been great.”

Denny Wuesthoff, who is donating an original art piece for the event, will be the auctioneer for the live auction. The “No Rules” band will also perform and there will be a dance floor.

All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward scholarships for Medical Lake High School students. Noble said one of the new scholarships for this year is the Mike Paulson Athletic Scholarship, named in honor of Paulson, a longtime coach who passed away in the spring of 2013. Last year’s MLDFS spring fundraiser brought in $3,200. Noble said that $15,000 is a “tangible goal” and she would love to see the event “packed.” Since its inception in 2002, Medical Lake Dollars for Scholars has raised and awarded over $413,000 in scholarships for Medical Lake graduates.

“Medical Lake has a 98 percent graduation rate and we feel it’s our duty to help our students get to that post high school education whether it’s college or a trade school,” Noble said. “The main component is to get students scholarships. Tuition costs have skyrocketed and student loan burden is almost $29,000 post-graduation.”

Tickets for the fundraiser are $30 per person and include food and beverages. They can be purchased at Denny’s Harvest Foods, Tommy G’s or Morning Brew. For more information, call (509) 951-5468 or (509) 299-7458 or go online at http://www.medicallake.dollarsforscholars.org.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].