Published: September 04, 2008 10:34 am         

Going to the Gala?

Stillwater Public Education Foundation holds major fundraiser

Gina Miller is developing quite a record.

The executive director of the Stillwater Public Education Foundation has locked in Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis to speak at this year’s Gala, set for Sept. 16.

Two years ago, Miller drew Boone Pickens to the event. Not bad for someone who is in only her third year on the job.

So, how does she bring in the big attractions? She said someone else does it.

“We have a very involved board of trustees who usually make things like that happen for us and help share the mission of the foundation for people we would like to get in,” Miller said.

Stillwater schools Superintendent Ann Caine, hired last spring, also is scheduled to speak during the seventh annual Gala at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Miller is expecting between 250 and 300 people at the event.

Reservations are $125 per person and are being accepted through the end of the week.

The foundation only holds two fundraisers during the year — the Gala in the fall and the Taste of Stillwater in the spring.

“The gala is very important on two levels,” Miller said.

“It’s our primary fundraiser of the year and we are able to show our guests where our money has gone” with a video covering the grants for the past year that will explain “what impact they have had in the schools.”

The evening also will include dinner, entertainment by SPS orchestra ensembles and presentation of the Pioneer Service Award.

SPEF is a non-profit organization that provides private support to Stillwater schools through grants — more than $600,000 since its inception in 1984, according to Miller.

The grants fund innovative and creative programs, equipment and supplies — items that normally could not be funded by the district. The foundation awarded more than $75,000 to SPS during the 2007-8 school year.

For reservations or other information, call Miller at (405) 533-6300, extension 5006 or e-mail spef@stillwater.k12.ok.us.

Corporate and event sponsorships also are available.

     

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