by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
“Toast to Autumn,” slated for 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell, will feature wine-and-beer tasting, light hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffles.
“Toast to Autumn” is the annual fundraiser for the Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation, which is now celebrating its 10th year.
To purchase tickets, go to www.ssef.net.
The SSEF raises funds for academic-extension programs, mentoring programs, elementary literacy and early-childhood offerings. During the past decade, $206,439 in grants has been awarded, as well as $28,000 in scholarships – two scholarships every year to Sartell High School seniors. Currently, seniors may apply for a Community Service Scholarship ($1,500) and a Science and Technology Scholarship (also $1,500). To apply, go to www.ssef.net and click on “Scholarship” on the upper bar.
The SSEF continues to fund just about every conceivable education-related program. The following are just some examples from the 2014 school year: $5,000 to Art in Motion, $2,000 to Family Library Story Hour, $350 for Kindergarten Flip-It Books, $1,400 for Learning Lab, $3,000 for Math SmARTS, $2,000 for Sabre Splash and $3,000 for Academic Extensions.
The SSEF is supported by sponsors, supporters and individual contributors. Many supporters are businesses and families. For examples, supporters in 2015 include Granite Logistics, Mahowald Insurance Agency, Winkelman Building Corp. BankVista, Array Services Group, Bremer Bank, Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill, to name just some. In addition, many families and individuals have contributed.