Jackson, Cape schools hold events to raise funds

Last weekend community members supported the Jackson R-2 School District foundation at the annual Red and Black Affair gala benefit, and this weekend there's an opportunity to support Cape Girardeau Public Schools at the annual Penguin Party.

Events like these offer the perfect chance to socialize while assisting with the education of our local youth through donations that benefit the students.

Cape's 11th annual Penguin Party is Saturday at Ray's Banquet Center from 6 p.m. to midnight. There will be a social hour with silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and drinks before dinner, a reverse raffle and live auction. Tickets are $60 apiece.

Jackson's eighth annual event was last Saturday at the Jackson Civic Center. The event was sold out the day before with 550 tickets purchased at $70 apiece, meaning $38,500 was raised before the event began. There also was a silent auction to raise more funds that will go toward technology in Jackson schools.

"We step in where the school district can't quite cover technology concerns for our students," foundation director Merideth Pobst said. "The foundation provides the exceeding amount to provide resources that will expand educational opportunities."

Helping out our schools in any way is a positive in our book. We appreciate the effort put into events like these and are glad to see the funds put to good use.