Gala raises funds in tough economy

Tough economic times took a few thousand off the gross from the Sisters Elementary School Green & Gold Gala, but organizers are smiling.

The event was held last Saturday at Brand 33 at Aspen Lakes.

Organizers say they have topped $12,000, gross, through auctions and sponsorships and with savings in expenses, the net should come very close to matching last year's smash hit inaugural event.

"There were 129 attendees - 21 more than last year - and a great time was had by all," Dave Huni, one of the organizers, reported.

"We were very pleased and just astonished," said Sisters Parent Teacher Community (SPTC) organization officer Melanie Peterson.

She said the turnout and the willingness to pitch in to support elementary school programs is reflective of the nature of the Sisters community.

"People come together even in the hard times," she said. "With the economy, we didn't know what to expect and it exceeded even what we had anticipated."

The SPTC will use the funds to support arts and reading programs among other endeavors the organization traditionally funds at Sisters Elementary School.