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Sold out Chelsea Education Foundation gala fundraiser for teacher, district grants

Photo by Lisa Carolin. Chelsea High School Chamber Orchestra quartet.
Photo by Lisa Carolin. A guitar autographed by The Rolling Stones. Edward Krzysik won it in the auction.

By Lisa Carolin

The Common Grill was filled with close to 150 supporters of the Chelsea Education Foundation on March 12 attending its sold-out fundraising gala.

Julie Helber, superintendent of the Chelsea District Schools, spoke to the crowd about the strong supportive relationship the CEF has with the school district and referencing a big announcement by CEF in September. It involves a major grant for the district.

The gala included musical entertainment from the Chelsea High School Chamber Orchestra quartet and the Chamber Choir. Teachers talked about grants they’ve received from the CEF, and there was a live auction, a raffle, and a dinner prepared by Chef Craig Common and staff.

The live auction included travel packages and an electric guitar autographed by members of the Rolling Stones.

“The gala is the primary means by which the CEF funds grants to teachers and the district,” said Angie McCalla, a member of the CEF board. “All grant monies are raised at the gala. It is also important in terms of spreading the message of the CEF-what we do, what value the organization has to the community and schools, how to get involved, and where the money goes.”

Last year’s gala raised more than $28,000. The money supports the Chelsea School District through grants to teachers.

“Beginning this year, the money will go toward partially or fully funding a district-wide grant in addition to the teacher grants,” said McCalla, making reference to the undisclosed grant that will be announced in September.

These are some of the 2017 CEF grants:

  • Stephanie Busch, High Interest/Low Reading
  • Steve Hinz, Music Cultural Exchange
  • Laura Naar, #Whyyoumatter
  • Jeanne Caselli, Track/Explore
  • L. Gayl Dybdahl, Chelsea Robotics Booster
  • Loren Thorburn, Making Money
  • Lisa Kaemming, Literacy Coaching
  • Diana Salazar, Building Muscles
  • Michael Brown, lXL
  • James Schlit, Breaking Barriers
  • Cathie Timberlake, Science Olympiad
  • Penny Olsen, Museum Trip
  • Jordan Miller, Murals
  • Christine Forsch, Science Olympiad
  • Sarah Radomski, Technology Enrichment
  • Sheryl Dewyer, Science Olympiad
  • Jessica Zubick, Authors in Chelsea
  • Ellen Kent, Student Connection
  • Michelle Mavian, Zoo Phonics
  • Heather Conklin, Link Crew
  • Dave Polley, STEM Trip
  • Nick Angel, 8th Grade DC Trip and 6th Grade Camp
  • Matt Pedlow, Gettysburg Trip
  • Mike Lott, WEB
  • Gwen Stubbs, Native American Experience
  • Kristi Henry, Civil War Reenactor
  • Katy Fillion, Cultural Preferences

The CEF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that has been around since 1998.

Photo by Lisa Carolin. Gary Mach was the MC for the evening.
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