“I Love the 80’s” will be the theme for the 11th annual FHUSD PTO gala, one of the major fundraiser events for the year. Early registration will begin soon for the event, which will take place at Eagle Mountain on Saturday, March 1.

Members and friends of the parent teacher organization (PTO), as well as many school district officials, will participate in this event benefiting our town’s children. The Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation is the title sponsor of this year’s event, donating $5,000.

“Some people like to give their money away before they pass on while others prefer family to do so after they pass,” said PTO board member Dwight Johnson.

“My brother, sister and I are so blessed that my father chose to let us invest and then give away his treasure given by God. My father had a deep passion for children and their academic and character development. This venue is the perfect fit for my Dad's vision and mission.”

The PTO hopes to raise $40,000 from the evening’s dinner and auction items.

“We were very pleased with what we raised last year,” said Tara Lamar, PTO President.

“We learn more and more each year and are putting all of that learning into practice this year.”

The early registration dinner package is $50 per person and would-be participants are encouraged to look for registration forms in early December on the PTO’s website and at McDowell Mountain and the Middle School/Four Peaks.

“We had a wonderful success with the dinner last year,” said Lisa Meyers, co-chair of last year’s gala along with Lisa Mulkey and Dianne Stricker.

“We have high expectations for this year and encourage those who want to attend to purchase their tickets early.”

A silent auction will be held during the social hour, followed by a live auction during dinner. The auction will feature more than 150 items including a unique “Fireman's package,” foursomes of golf at local courses, hotel packages and jewelry.

“In the past, Fountain Hills businesses have been so generous and we’re very thankful,” said Jill Reed, Past PTO President and present FHUSD School Board member.

The social hour and opportunity to bid on the silent auction items begins at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the live auction will be started between dinner and dessert.

“The PTO has been so generous in financial support of our schools,” said Tom Lawrence, Superintendent.

“The Gala fundraiser is a really fun event and it's especially gratifying to see all the businesses, town leaders, teachers, parents and administrators come together to raise money and get to know each other better. It has been a pleasure to have participated in every one the past 10 years.”

This fundraising event will benefit McDowell Mountain and the Middle School/Four Peaks.

For businesses, there are many ways to support this program including donating auction items or providing a monetary donation. Many businesses are unsure of what they can donate, but ideas include dental treatments, pest control services, automotive repairs, massages, hotel stays, golf foursomes, etc.

To become a sponsor or for more information, contact Tara Lamar at 518-6574 or fountainhillspto@live.com. Additional information is available by visiting fhusdpto.org.

Registration forms will be available at each of the public schools as well as on the PTO website beginning in early December.