Newsletters 2014-15 Focus newsletter, [1] fall | Page 14

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PAGE 14 ‘Putt-ing’ Kids First: Registration open for AnokaHennepin Educational Foundation’s 55th annual golf tournament This year’s Northern Stars Celebration is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at the Minneapolis Marriot Northwest. A party with a purpose: 2014 Northern Stars Celebration set for Nov. 1 For 19 years, the Anoka Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has hosted a celebration of the district’s talented students. It’s also a night that raises funds to help support the foundation’s three strategic priorities: early childhood education, talent development and career and college readiness. This year’s event — the 20th annual Northern Stars Celebration — is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest (formerly the Northland Inn) in Brooklyn Park. Parents and students, staff and members of the community — literally everyone — is welcome to attend the event, according to event chair Sheryl Carlson. This year’s celebration will feature light hors d’oeuvres, new silent and live auction packages, a sit-down dinner of fabulous food and student and staff entertainment from Anoka High School called “Anoka Unplugged,” an acoustic show. “As a parent of kids who have gone through the district, I so appreciate the teachers and staff,” Carlson said. “I volunteer to chair this event because we want to give back and say ‘thank you.’ But it is the parents, staff, teachers, and community members who attend the celebration every year that make it such a success. Our goal is to have every school in the district celebrate with us.” This year the celebration will include a “giving moment” where people can make special financial donations to help launch a middle school “Caring and Sharing Fund.” “Many of our high schools have funding available for students whose families are undergoing financial hardship, but our middle school students tend to fall in a support gap, without a PTO like the elementary schools and without the booster and other clubs our high schools have to help students engage in and outside the classroom,” said Tess DeGeest, executive director of the AHEF. “ I volunteer to chair this event because we want to give back and say ‘thank you.’ ” Formerly called the By launching Northern Stars this middle Ball, the celeschool fund, the bration is a foundation aims less formal to make sure event with a middle school greater focus - Even chair Sheryl Carlson students have being placed just as much abilon having a ity to participate and do well in school fun evening out while showcasing highas other students. ly talented students. The celebration is She said funds could be used to help also the AHEF’s largest fundraiser of the a student participate in a field trip they year. otherwise might not be able to afford, “This is a party with a purpose,” or to purchase tennis shoes so they can Carlson said, “but it is also a fabulous participate in gym class. night out with a chance to meet new people, have fun with friends, and socialize with neighbors. The Northern Stars is a lively — not formal — event, and it truly makes a difference for our students.” Tickets are still only $75, of which $40 is tax deductible as a charitable donation. Tables of eight are available for $600. Business and corporate event sponsorships are also available. Ticket reservations are being taken now online at www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahef or by stopping in at the AHEF office located in the Educational Services Center at 2727 N. Ferry St., in Anoka. A raffle will also be held at the celebration, with cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100. For more information, visit www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahef, or contact DeGeest at 763-506-1107. A 501c3 non-profit organization, the AHEF is the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students and schools throughout the AnokaHennepin School District. Since 1994, the AHEF has distributed more than $2 million to enrich the educational experience of students. ■ Before the kids head to the bus stop, be sure to register for the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation’s (AHEF) “Putt-ing Kids First” annual golf tournament. This year’s event — the 55th annual — will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 8 a.m., at Green Haven Golf Course in Anoka. The tournament is a best ball scramble format, meaning team play is emphasized and the focus is on fun for all skill levels. “You don’t need to be a professional golfer, you just need to be willing to have fun,” suggested the golf committee co-chair Marlene Colvin. Transportation Director Keith Paulson lines up a practice putt at last year’s event. Registration is CsRW"W'6