Arrowhead Elementary School Dual Language Thank You Card
ST GEORGE, Utah – The Assistance League of Southern Utah will host their annual fundraising event, the 2017 Annual Spring Benefit Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 5:30 PM.
The event will be held in the Sun River St. George Ballroom. As part of the nonprofit organization’s fundraising efforts, the event will feature a live auction, silent auction and opportunity drawings for many wonderful prizes. The ticket price is $65 per person, and all proceeds from this event will stay in Washington County and help fund the organization’s signature program, Operation School Bell®.
The Assistance League of Southern Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Washington County children. Since becoming a chapter in 2008 the all-volunteer team has worked tirelessly to support the needs of more than 4,200 local students through Operation School Bell®. The program provides financially disadvantaged children with new school clothing, shoes, books and supplies. It is because of generous community support, donations and funding that Assistance League has been able to provide this program. Fundraising events like the Annual Spring Benefit Dinner and Auction are key elements of the organizations resource development.
Sue Gilliam, Board President said, “Fundraising is essential for us to expand services and reach more students. The proceeds from the Annual Spring Benefit Dinner and Auction will help us to continue our work. Last year the event had 200 attendees. This year we hope to see the same enthusiasm or more! We’d like to ask our community to join us for a great evening of support for an even better cause.”
The evening will feature keynote speaker Mayor Jon Pike and entertainment from the Vista Charter School Choir and Dance Troupe. Starting at 5:30pm guests will peruse the many silent auction items on display, check out the incredible live auction items and participate in the opportunity drawing and Tops & Tails Mystery Prize Fundraising Game.
In its inaugural year, the organization partnered with the Washington County School District and served 50 students. Today, the 90 dynamic members of Assistance League serve more than 750 students in 34 schools through the Operation School Bell program alone.
“This has been a very successful partnership and has helped so many of our students,” said Michael Carr, WCSD Support Services Coordinator. As southern Utah continues to grow, so has the need for help. Operation School Bell provides a positive experience, self-esteem and self-worth at a critical time to children who truly are deserving of support.
DeWynn Nelson, Communications Chair shared, “Our vision is quite simple, to provide a brighter tomorrow for children through volunteer efforts and collaborative partnerships. All of our members truly want to make a difference.”
And, what a difference they’ve made: Through our signature program, Operation School Bell® financially disadvantaged children receive new school clothing. They see we support them and their education, that going to and staying in school can make a difference to their future.
We are addressing the needs of over 8,000 children living in homes below the poverty level in Washington County. Our volunteers work with school administrators and counselors to ensure children with the greatest need receive assistance.
Additional programs that benefit local children include: Operation School Bell Literacy Programs; Adopt-A-School; Community Outreach and Waste Not
“We are really proud of the work we’re doing, the impact has been incredible.” Nelson said. “We want to continue to grow our programs and services. Sharing our results and how many students we have helped let’s our community know that their support of Assistance League is a wise investment in our collective futures.”
Assistance League of Southern Utah has established their impact in our community by: 750+ Students Clothed in 2016, 34 Schools Serviced, 500+ Dual Language Text Books Provided, 500+ Classroom Storytime Readings, 580+ Preschool reading Materials Provided, 200+ Kids Served in Summertime Reading Program, 800+ Books Donated During Make A Difference Day, 100% All Volunteer Organization, 88% of ALL Funds Collected Are Program Associated, and Nearly 70% of All Members Actively Participate!
“We are looking forward to helping even more children next year and beyond.” explained Sue. “Our goal is to not only garner the financial support we need, but to also inspire attendees to get involved, to find a way to help and create success for the many deserving students in our area.”
