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Taken from years gone by, this photo of the annual Enriching Academics Trough Sustenance (E.A.T.S) fund raiser depicts what a fun night this was as the community came together to eat fine (donated) cuisine and raise money for the students. Because of the pandemic and short on staffing this year the fundraiser will be held through a mailing campaign. Next year, however, plans are to be back in the halls at I.S.D. 166. Above, Beth Foster serves two students, Molly Thomas and Santina McMillian, who gave the event a thumbs up. Staff photo Brian Larsen
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, E.A.T.S. (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance) once again will be missing from our local March calendar. With all the snow, and the last E.A.T.S. occurring during one of our many Minnesota March snowstorms, it just doesn’t seem right not to have this event this year.
But, even though case counts are down and most in our community are vaccinated, members of the public prefer to wait until next year to bring back this community tradition. The fact is, due to staffing shortages, that also is the desire of most of our local restaurants and food vendors who have supported the event in the past.
Typically the high school hallway, from the Eagle Doors to the gym are filled with the smells of fabulous food, the sound of music provided by school groups and local musicians, laughter, and many tables filled with hundreds of silent auction items. Every year, the event sold almost every $25 ticket, so that community members could have a taste of fabulous food, gift certificates, or items donated from Grand Portage, the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder. It was also a way they could also donate to a great nonprofit which supports our local students!
Bet some of you are dreaming of walleye cakes, reuben sliders, chicken wings, Jamaican jerk, quiche, walleye chowder, and then finishing those tastes off with hot coffee, and a few deserts like Swedish creme, fudge, AND raspberry pie! My, oh my, what a fabulous community event! Such a great tradition!
Still the work of the Education Foundation continued during the pandemic. During these two years of COVID-19, this organization has continued its mission to offer unique experiences for students through innovative instruction and co-curricular programs. In addition to still providing funding opportunities, changes have occurred on the board. Two members left, so this year the Ed Foundation has welcomed Destry Winant (elected as our secretary) and Gail Gieseke (our newest board member) onto the Board of Directors. Also attending our monthly board meetings (which have all been via Zoom) are Myron Bursheim, Silviya Duclos, Dave Hanson, Autumn Hood (elementary teacher rep), Marcie McIntire, John Oberholtzer, Doug Sanders, Emma Spoon (secondary teacher rep), Ann Sullivan, and Ruthanne Hedstrom Vos.
Last year, as a fundraiser, there was a mail campaign encouraging individuals to leave a legacy or memorial gift to the foundation. Of course, this is still an option. If you’d like more information on this, contact Ann Sullivan (President) or John Oberholtzer (Vice President).
This year, for individuals wanting to donate, the group is asking for $25 donations (the price of an EATS ticket). Your generous donation can be sent to Cook County School District 166 Education Foundation, P.O. Box 583, Grand Marais, MN 55604-1117.
Thanks for allowing the Education Foundation to continue its mission during these challenging times!
Cook County School District 166 Education Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization, EIN 41-2020291.
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