Annual auction, and spy-themed dinner, raise funds for Cleveland High

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 31, 2017

With the hall decorated using a “007” spy theme, the Cleveland High School (CHS) Parent Teacher Association (PTA) held its annual gala auction and dinner at Southeast Portland’s Melody Ballroom, on Saturday evening, March 11.

Co-organizers Kristin Cole (CHS class of 1990) and Jill Stevens were pleased as the elegant facility filled with guests.

“This does take a lot of work, but when we see all the smiling faces in the community coming together in a positive manner, it really does make you feel good,” remarked Kristin Cole.

“We’re all here celebrating our children, our students of Cleveland High, and it gives one a good feeling to see everybody working together, and now having a good time,” Cole commented with a smile.

Jill Stevens estimated some 25 volunteers put the fundraiser together, and then an additional 25 volunteers helped out with it that night.

“What makes this all work is that we’ve had so many fabulous donations from businesses and people in our community!” Stevens added.

Through this evening, the pair said, their goal was to raise about $20,000.

CHS Principal Tammy O’Neill reflected to THE BEE, “This is Cleveland; having all the community coming together and helping out is something I’ve been getting used to.

“Whether it’s new families, or families who’ve lived here for three generations — it’s wonderful to see them all coming together, working hard, raising money, donating money, giving of their time to support public education and their kids’ education — it’s very much aligned with the values of the community,” O’Neill said.

The PTA auction raises funds that help “bridge the gap” in school resources — raising money for books, helping pay for field trips, and allowing teacher time to collaborate and grow school programs,” explained O’Neill. “And, the CHS Foundation is again holding a ‘Bidding Paddle Raise’ tonight that brings in funding for staff members — and once again this year, which is important, so we can maintain the programming we have been able to retain.”

While there were no spy-versus-spy antics at the dinner, many cocktails did appear to have been “shaken, not stirred”, before being enjoyed during the silent auction, dinner, and the live auction that followed.