Evangel Classical to host ‘80s themed fundraiser

Published 10:55 am Thursday, February 2, 2017

By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Evangel Classical Christian School will host an ‘80s prom-themed fundraiser Feb. 11 to help purchase items for the school.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Evangel’s gym with a silent auction, dinner, and the announcement of a prom queen and king, according to Donnalee Blankenship, who is in charge of the school’s publicity and promotions.

“As many schools do, ECCS often has fundraisers like a fall festival, or other methods for gaining much needed funds to enrich the students’ learning experiences,” Blankenship said. “In 2015, we had a Boots and Bling cowboy-themed auction that raised $60,000 toward updating our technology in every classroom. It was a huge undertaking by many parents and volunteers, and it was so much fun. This year, we decided to go back to that auction atmosphere, but makes it a 1980s theme.”

Blankenship said the school’s fundraiser committee decided on a prom since many of the school’s parents and teachers were in high school during the 1980s.

“We have had teachers and parents send in old 1980s photos of their high school days, prom pics, cheer and football photos, wedding photos, baby pictures and more,” Blankenship said. “We have enjoyed sharing them on a Facebook event page and poking fun at some of the fashion and hairstyles. It has been a wonderful time of reminiscing and getting to know each other better.”

Blankenship said the goal for this year’s fundraiser is $60,000, and ticket sales as well as event sponsors have helped the school’s efforts to raise money.

“The Shelby County business community has been so wonderful to make donations for our silent auction and our live auction,” Blankenship said. “We are listing everyone in the program that evening, and sponsors get special promotion on our Facebook event page, placement on every school e-mail and throughout the event. Our three Platinum Sponsors are Southwest Water Company, Turner Software, and Cahaba Management. We are so grateful for their support.”

Dinner at the event will be provided by KKParker Events, there will be a dessert frenzy featuring cakes donated by different families and bakeries around town such as Wicked Cakes and Things in Helena.

“Once everyone is warmed up, our junior class has put together Junior Helper packages to bid on, like babysitting, handymen, car washes, and yard maintenance,” Blankenship said. “Our two big auctions for the evening are the Live Auction and the Fund-a-Thon. The live auction features vacations, an encased Nick Saban signed football, some amazing student artwork including a replica of the Evangel stained glass window, and some pampering packages for the ladies.”

The Fund-a-Thon will strictly raise money for items needed for the school.

Blankenship said the school’s logic and rhetoric schools have not had any science equipment updates in more than 10 years, and there are needs for the anatomy and physiology classes, as well as equipment needs.

“We are counting on our community to help us upgrade and move forward in science and technology,” Blankenship said. “We will finish off the evening by announcing the prom king and queen and having an old-fashioned, 80s style prom/dance. We think this will be a wonderful way to celebrate together and to raise awareness and funds for our school’s needs.”

If anyone is interested in being a sponsor or donating items for the auction, contact Lisa Coston at lisacoston@att.net, or Kelly Parker, craziescakes@gmail.com.

If anyone is interested in purchasing tickets for the event, call Evangel during school hours and ask for Traci Allen at 216-0149.

For more information about Evangel Classical Christian School, visit Evangelclassical.org.