Family Dance Night draws crowd

From the abounding smiles and the large crowd in attendance, it seems that Family Dance Night at Sisters Elementary School is a highlight of the year.

The free event sponsored by the school's Sisters Parent Teacher Community (SPTC) is a thank-you and a fund-raiser.

"Only last year it started becoming a fund-raiser. What it really is is a thank-you to the families and students for supporting us," said Daiya Dillman-Owen, SPTC secretary. "A year ago we made it into a fund-raiser by doing the basket raffle and the silent auction."

Last year's event raised around $5,000, and the hope is that when the final figures come in that amount or even more will be raised this year.

Traditionally the gathering is held in February. However, because of widespread illness in the school and community this year, the event was rescheduled for last Friday night, April 20.

The welcoming, hoedown mood was set by the music of John Grant and his Western Review. The sounds of the fiddle offered a special touch to old favorites like "Home on the Range" and "Good Old Mountain Dew."

SPTC provided free snacks. Pizza by the slice from Martolli's and juice, water and soda were available at nominal prices.

At a special booth Cub Scout Pack 139 sold Sisters Elementary School tee shirts. Cub master Cory Stengel explained that the pack's goal is to help both the SPTC and themselves. According to Stengel, pack members want to be self-sufficient so they "don't have to go to their parents for money.... The funds we raise go to support the different crafts and projects we do throughout the year as a pack, as well as the food and the awards."

A portion of the money the pack is raising from the tee shirt sales will be donated to the SPTC.

SPTC uses the money it raises to help Sisters Elementary School in several ways. Each year the organization gives every teacher $100 to buy items for their classrooms. The organization funds events like the back-to-school barbecue, the ice cream social and the teacher's luncheon. The group also provides funding for artists in residence and purchases equipment and pays for improvements around the school.

"Last year we added additional pavement on the playground area and bought two new basketball hoops and a tether ball poll," said Dillman-Owen. SPTC also works on issues that confront the school such as crosswalk safety and the parent involvement policy.

Friday night's silent auction attracted much interest, especially from parents. Many items from both community businesses and individuals were donated. Some people gave cash donations.

"People, instead of donating an item, donated cash, and then we went and bought items to be auctioned off," Dillman-Owen said.

Auction items included an adult bicycle with a trailer, a child's bicycle, snowshoes, flower arrangements, jewelry, artwork and gift certificates.

Again this year the gift basket raffle proved a high point of the evening. Students and parents alike awaited with baited breath to see whose name was drawn as each bountiful basket was raffled. The only silence that filled the air all night was that breath of time when the name of each winner was called out.

Each class prepares a gift basket for the raffle. The huge baskets or bins are stuffed with helpful, fun and imaginative items that are centered around a unique theme that is chosen by each class.