Wide smiles and passionate discussion consumed the banquet hall of Strongbow Inn on the evening of Tuesday, April 14. The Friends of Valparaiso Community Schools hosted a fundraising dinner to raise money for the Valparaiso Community Schools Referendum “Tradition of Excellence Campaign” vote on May 5.
Friends of Valparaiso Community Schools is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to building support for the upcoming school funding referendum. The referendum calls for the addition of safe and secure entrances to all elementary schools, retrofitting of all schools with energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and renovations to the elementary and high schools to relieve overcrowding.
Rob Thorgren, Chairman of the Friends of Valparaiso Community Schools said, “Tonight is a fundraiser to help try to raise money and more importantly spread awareness about the referendum that will be voted on in the upcoming election.”
Attendees were able to enjoy appetizers as well as socialize with others. The event also featured live performances from the Chris and Lou Band. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to sign up for different volunteering positions, including telephone-calling, mailings, and working on Election Day.
“Valparaiso is such a great community, from the parks department to all the programs we have,” Co-chair of initiative Rick Urschel said. “The least that Rob and I can do is throw our support behind making our schools even better.”
The referendum also calls for an increase in funding to Bolster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), foreign language, and technology programs. The Friends of Valparaiso Community Schools believes that this will strengthen the success of community-schools partnerships. Additionally, the initiative calls for fair distribution of the dollars spent across the entire district.
If you are interested in volunteering in support of the Valparaiso Community Schools Referendum, check out the upcoming events. Additionally, visit schoolsworthsaving.com for more information on how you can help.
All sessions at Thorgren Tool & Molding (912 Roosevelt Rd.) unless specified:
- Wednesday 4/15 5:00-8:30 pm Post Card Party at Flint Lake Elementary (cafeteria) - Come write post cards that will be mailed out the week before the election
- Thursday 4/16 5:00-8:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Saturday 4/18 9:00 am-12:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Monday 4/20 5:00-8:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Thursday 4/23 5:00-8:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Saturday 4/25 7:30-9:00 Yard Sign Rally; Set Up, 9:00-12:00 Yard Sign Rally
- Monday 4/27 5:00-8:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Thursday 4/30 5:00-8:00 pm Walk & Talk
- Tuesday 5/2 ELECTION DAY