A Night of Elegance and Education: PUSDEF’s 9th Annual Sip and Savor Fundraiser Raises $75,000

Originally Published: November 1st, 2024
The Daily Courier

A Night of Elegance and Education: PUSDEF’s 9th Annual Sip and Savor Fundraiser Raises $75,000

The Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation (PUSDEF) hosted its 9th Annual Sip and Savor Fundraising Event on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The elegant affair, themed “A Soirée in Black and White,” took place at The Club at Prescott Lakes and welcomed 130 guests, all dressed in stylish black-and- white attire. This year’s sold-out event raised an impressive $75,000 to support PUSDEF programs benefiting teachers and students in the district.

Kathy Sischka, the event chair, helped organize a night filled with elegance, community spirit, and generosity. Among the many sponsors were title sponsors Lamb Chevrolet, The James Family Foundation, and Dignity Health YRMC Regional Medical Center, the evening was a major success.

Throughout the venue, informational posters highlighted key PUSDEF programs, including The Teacher’s Supply Closet, Rising Stars Awards Banquet, School Enhancement Grant Program, and initiatives to recruit and retain math teachers. Guests were able to see firsthand how their contributions would directly impact Prescott’s schools.

John Murphey served as the evening’s emcee, guiding attendees through the event’s spirited activities, including both a silent and live auction. Greg Mengarelli, acting as auctioneer, facilitated the live bidding, where guests competed for items ranging from evenings of fine dining and artwork to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The bidding was energetic and playful, with each guest eager to support the foundation while securing unique prizes.

One of the highlights of the night was the Paddle Raising event, dubbed “Fund the Mission,” where PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney delivered a heartfelt speech. Tenney emphasized the essential role PUSDEF plays in bridging the funding gap between what the Prescott Unified School District needs and what it receives from the State of Arizona.

His message struck a chord with the audience, prompting a final surge of donations as guests raised their paddles to contribute personally to the cause.

As the evening neared its close, Prescott’s favorite hometown band, STEFnROCK, took the stage, energizing the guests with live performances of classic hits from Elvis Presley to Stevie Nicks. The music set a celebratory tone, and guests danced and mingled, celebrating in the success of the night.

Originally Published: Nov 1st, 2024